Slidable Split Mounting Element for Angular Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting devices face challenges in achieving precise angular adjustment and alignment of objects, particularly in situations involving multiple mounting points and deformation of carriers, such as dashboards, due to manufacturing tolerances and misalignment of fasteners.

Innovation Solution

A multi-part mounting device with slidable ends that form a clamping region, allowing for flexible deformation and angular adjustment, which becomes rigid when clamped, and a clamping device with adjustable fastening elements for precise positioning and load distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid mounting element is used to ensure high rigidity in the clamped state, then the rigidity is improved, but the ease of handling and angular adjustment during installation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidease of handling
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element is divided into multiple parts (first part and second part) that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows the mounting element to be flexible during installation for easy handling and angular adjustment, while becoming rigid when clamped in the final position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting element transitions from a flexible state during installation to a rigid state when clamped. The slidable connection between parts allows dynamic adjustment during installation, while the clamped state provides the necessary rigidity for the final application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a multi-part mounting element with slidable ends is used to improve flexibility and ease of handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the rigidity in the unclamped state worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of handlingVSAvoidrigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element is divided into multiple parts (first part and second part) that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows the mounting element to be flexible during installation for easy handling and angular adjustment, while becoming rigid when clamped in the final position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the mounting element changes from flexible to rigid through the clamping action. The slidable connection allows movement and deformation during installation, but when clamped, the relative displacement is eliminated and rigidity is achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If threaded studs are precisely aligned during automated manufacturing to ensure accurate positioning, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the complexity of the manufacturing process worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element has the ability to self-align and compensate for misalignments through the slidable connection between its parts. The flexible design allows automatic adjustment to accommodate deviations in threaded stud positions, eliminating the need for high-precision alignment during automated manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting element's flexible design allows it to adapt to varying positions of threaded studs. The slidable connection enables the mounting element to compensate for misalignments, making the manufacturing process less sensitive to precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Force

If multiple mounting points are used to secure heavy objects, then the load distribution is improved, but the complexity of the mounting device worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distributionVSAvoidmounting device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element is designed to function at multiple mounting points simultaneously. The flexible multi-part design allows a single mounting element to accommodate and distribute loads across multiple threaded studs, reducing the need for separate mounting devices at each point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 variable orientation of objects with improved rigidity and load distribution, compensating for misalignment and deformation, and allows for automatic assembly from a single direction, ensuring accurate positioning and secure attachment.

Implementation Method 1

the mounting element can easily be deformed into an S-shape... The mounting element retains its embossed S-shape and becomes relatively rigid, or even stiffer, due to its now fixed length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Friction within the universal joint holds the device in the set position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3409956B1Mounting device
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 PROFIL VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3409956B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3409956B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3409956B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A mounting device that allows for adjustable and lockable angular adjustment of an object to a support is characterized by the provision of at least one split mounting element, each part of which has a hole in a region that enables attachment to the object or to a bracket attached to the object. The parts have a common clamping region at their ends facing away from the respective hole, facing each other, and which are slidable relative to each other. This clamping region enables attachment to the support. The mounting unit is clamped by means of a clamping device that engages in the clamping region. Before clamping, the mounting device is initially flexible and adjusts to the precise angular position of the screw bolts protruding from the support. After clamping, it is rigid, and the set position is locked.