Reversible bracket
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brackets for securing items to a support require extensive disassembly to change their orientation, making it difficult to invert or reposition them without removing the cross member from the rails.
Innovation Solution
A bracket design featuring a base with a channel of varying widths and a movable arm that can pivot between open and closed positions, allowing for easy reorientation by positioning the cross member within different channel sections to prevent or permit rotation, using a shaft and latch mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bracket uses an asymmetric latching mechanism for secure mounting, then the bracket can be firmly attached to the cross member, but the bracket cannot be reoriented without complete disassembly and reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is segmented into multiple sections with different width characteristics. The first section has a first width that prevents rotation, while the second section has a second width that allows rotation. This segmentation allows the bracket to be firmly attached in one orientation while enabling reorientation by moving to another section.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system transitions from a static, fixed-orientation design to a dynamic, reorientable design. The cross member can be moved between different positions in the channel (first position for secure attachment, second position for rotation), enabling the bracket to adapt its orientation without complete disassembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If the bracket channel has a uniform width for consistent mounting, then the bracket can be easily manufactured, but the bracket cannot be rotated or reoriented on the cross member
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the channel have different width characteristics tailored to specific functions. The first section has a first width optimized for secure attachment and preventing rotation, while the second section has a second width optimized for allowing rotation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and rotation capability.
3Reliability
If the bracket requires complete disassembly to change orientation, then the latching mechanism remains simple and reliable, but the installation time and reconfiguration effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration by allowing the cross member to be moved between different channel sections (first position for secure attachment, second position for rotation) rather than requiring complete disassembly. This maintains the simplicity and reliability of the latching mechanism while dramatically reducing installation and reconfiguration time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the bracket to be reoriented by 90°, 180°, or 270° without disassembly, allowing for flexible installation and adjustment without removing the bracket from the cross member, simplifying the installation process and reducing disassembly requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A hinge pin 56 receives the arms 82, 84 in spaced apart relation at their first ends, thereby pivotably attaching the arms to one another
Implementation Method 2
A shaft 60 is mounted on base 48 in a position where it can engage latch 58. Shaft 60 is movable between a first position where it engages latch 58 to retain arm 52 in the closed position
Implementation Method 3
shaft 60 is threaded with helical screw threads which engage compatible screw threads on base 48, thus permitting the shaft to move between the first and second positions by rotating it about its longitudinal axis 62
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket defines a channel having narrow and wide channel portions. The narrow channel portion is sized to receive a cross member and prevent rotation of the bracket about the cross member. The wide channel portion is sized to receive the cross member and permit rotation of the bracket about the cross member.