Fastener for mounting a frame onto a previously installed mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mirror frame mounting methods require permanent fasteners, making it difficult to adjust or replace frames without removing the pre-installed mirror, and they often necessitate the use of adhesives or screws.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system using perimetrically distributed brackets that attach to both the frame and the mirror, allowing for easy removal and reattachment without adhesives or nails, enabling the use of frames of varying shapes and sizes by distributing weight around the mirror's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional permanent fasteners (nails, adhesives, screws) are used to mount the frame onto the mirror, then the frame is securely fixed, but the frame becomes difficult to adjust or replace and requires the mirror to be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mirror-mounted bracket and a frame-mounted bracket. This segmentation allows the frame to be independently attached and detached from the mirror without removing the mirror itself, resolving the contradiction between secure fixation and ease of replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from a permanent static connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The brackets are designed to be easily attached and detached, allowing the frame to be adjusted or replaced as needed while maintaining secure fixation when mounted.
2Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used, then the frame is securely attached, but the mirror must be removed before the frame can be mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system separates the attachment mechanism into two independent brackets that can be installed separately - one on the mirror and one on the frame. This eliminates the need to remove the mirror for frame installation, reducing mounting process complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror-mounted bracket acts as an intermediary component that provides a mounting interface on the mirror without requiring the mirror itself to be removed. This intermediary element simplifies the overall mounting process by decoupling the frame installation from mirror removal.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single mounting point is used, then the installation is simple, but the frame weight cannot be evenly distributed and frames of varying shapes and sizes cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses multiple distributed brackets around the perimeter of the mirror and frame. This segmentation allows the weight to be evenly distributed across multiple attachment points and enables accommodation of frames with various shapes and sizes while maintaining relatively simple installation of each individual bracket.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design provides universal applicability to frames of varying shapes and sizes. The perimetric distribution of multiple brackets allows the same mounting system to accommodate different frame configurations, enhancing versatility while maintaining installation simplicity through standardized bracket components.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener for mounting a frame onto a previously installed mirror which does not require screws or adhesives. The fastener has a support panel, a first brace, and a second brace. The support panel functions as the primary support member that is positioned in between the first brace and the second brace. The first brace is a fastener that is mounted onto a first side of the support panel. Additionally, the first brace is used intended to be affixed to the edge of a previously installed mirror Like the first brace, the second brace is a fastener that is mounted onto the support panel. However, the second brace is mounted onto a second side of the support panel and intended to be affixed to a frame. This configuration enables the fastener to function as a mounting device that is positioned in between the frame and the mirror.