Self-Locking Panel Bracket for Low-Density Flat Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brackets for attaching to low-density flat panels, such as attic stairs hatches, lack adequate resistance and require additional attachment means like screws for secure mounting.

Innovation Solution

A bracket design featuring a base with a plate and latching feet, locked in place using a lock that fills the hole in the panel, eliminating the need for additional screws, and allowing secure attachment through adhesion or coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional attachment means such as fastening screws are used to attach brackets to flat panels, then the bracket can be securely mounted, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting resistanceVSAvoidattachment means

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket design merges the attachment function into the bracket structure itself through integrated latching feet that engage with the panel hole, eliminating the need for separate fastening screws and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining secure mounting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket performs its own attachment function through the self-latching mechanism where the latching feet automatically engage with the panel hole upon insertion, making the bracket self-installing without requiring additional attachment means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If additional attachment means such as fastening screws are used to attach brackets to flat panels, then the bracket can be securely mounted, but the assembly process becomes slower

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting resistanceVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The latching feet are pre-configured in the bracket structure to automatically engage with the panel hole upon insertion, performing the attachment action preliminarily during the insertion process itself, which accelerates assembly by eliminating separate fastening steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket autonomously completes its own attachment to the panel through the self-latching mechanism, eliminating the need for manual screw fastening operations and significantly improving assembly productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures secure and quick assembly of the bracket on low-density panels without additional fasteners, providing adequate resistance and stability.

Implementation Method 1

The bracket base is fixed in the hole using the lock... the lock and the base are attached to one another by at least one coupling or adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12428849B2Bracket

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 FAKRO PP SPOLKA Z O O

AI summary

A bracket designed for mounting on flat panel hole is constructed out of base. Base includes plate. Plate includes at least one latching foot to seat the bracket in an assembly position in at least one hole in flat panel, and lower gap for edge of appropriate hole in flat panel is between plate and each latching foot.