Rotatable Sensor Mounting System With Indexing Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor mounting systems require precise orientation adjustment of mounting plates, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient, especially when mounting directionally sensitive sensors to surfaces like ceilings or walls, as they need to be aligned correctly to function effectively.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable sensor mounting system that allows the housing to be rotated while remaining fully engaged with a mounting plate, using indexing formations and tabs to secure the desired orientation, eliminating the need for adjusting the orientation of the mounting plate itself, and enabling the sensors to be positioned optimally based on their directional preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the mounting plate requires precise orientation adjustment for mounting directionally sensitive sensors, then the sensors can be aligned correctly to function effectively, but the mounting process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor alignment precisionVSAvoidmounting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the orientation adjustment function from the mounting plate by introducing a rotatable housing with independent indexing formations. The mounting plate remains fixed while the housing rotates to achieve precise sensor alignment, dividing the adjustment task between stationary mounting and rotatable positioning components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed to be rotatable relative to the mounting plate, transforming a static mounting system into a dynamic one. This allows the housing to be rotated to different orientations after mounting, enabling precise alignment of directionally sensitive sensors without requiring precise initial plate orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the mounting plate is fixed in orientation during installation, then the mounting structure remains simple, but the sensors cannot be optimally aligned without complex adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting structure complexityVSAvoidsensor alignment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the orientation parameter of the housing relative to the mounting plate by allowing rotation. The indexing formations control the discrete angular positions, enabling the housing to be oriented at specific angles (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) to optimize sensor alignment while maintaining a simple fixed mounting plate structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the housing can be rotated after mounting, then flexibility in sensor orientation is improved, but the engagement between housing and mounting plate must maintain security throughout rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation flexibilityVSAvoidengagement security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The indexing formations are pre-configured on both the housing and mounting plate to anticipate and enable specific rotational positions. The tabs and corresponding receptacles are positioned in advance to engage automatically at predetermined angles, ensuring secure engagement at desired orientations without requiring active control during rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The indexing formations act as an intermediary mechanism between the housing and mounting plate. These formations include tabs that extend into receptacles to prevent over-rotation and ensure precise positioning. This intermediary structure mediates the rotational movement, allowing flexibility while maintaining secure engagement through mechanical interlocking at discrete positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10571312B2Adjustable mounting system

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 DATABUOY CORP

AI summary

A first plate comprises a first lip, lip gaps, and first indexing formations. The first lip extends around a portion of the first plate. The lip gaps are distributed along the first lip. The first indexing formations are distributed along the first lip between lip gaps. A second plate comprises mounting points, a second lip, mounting tabs, and second indexing formations. The mounting points may receive mounting fasteners to secure the second plate to an object. The second lip extends around a portion of the second plate. The mounting tabs are distributed along the second lip and positioned to align with lip gaps. The second indexing formations are disposed on mounting tabs to engage first indexing formations in response to the second plate having mounting tabs inserted through lip gaps and rotated until at least one first indexing formation is aligned with at least one second indexing tab.