Slide-Mount Fastener Alignment Apparatus Using Object as Template
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for aligning objects with blind slide-mount features, such as keyholes, on mounting surfaces are prone to errors, especially when templates are unavailable, and do not account for 3-dimensional object characteristics or nearby obstructions, leading to potential safety risks and unsightly installations.
Innovation Solution
A marking apparatus comprising a post element, object retention element, and cover element that securely tightens to the object, allowing it to serve as a template for accurate alignment, marking the mounting surface for fastener placement, and incorporating a tightening element to prevent dismounting due to movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional distance-between-holes measurement method is used, then mounting can be accomplished without templates, but alignment accuracy deteriorates due to manual measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the object itself as a template by attaching it temporarily to the mounting surface and using its features (edges, corners, pre-existing holes) as reference points for marking fastener locations. This eliminates the need for separate paper templates while maintaining high accuracy, as the object's physical dimensions directly define the mounting geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The object serves its own alignment function by being used as the reference framework for determining fastener positions. Instead of requiring external templates or measurement tools, the object's own geometry and features are utilized to establish accurate mounting locations through direct physical contact and alignment with the mounting surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If keyhole mount adaptors are affixed to objects, then mounting capability is improved, but placement accuracy deteriorates making it difficult to get mount hole locations correct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment actions by temporarily attaching the object to the mounting surface and using its physical features to establish reference points before making permanent markings. This preliminary positioning ensures that fastener locations are accurately determined relative to the object's actual position, preventing placement errors that would occur with pre-attached adaptors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces marking apparatus and alignment tools as intermediaries between the object and the mounting surface. These tools transfer the object's geometry onto the mounting surface through physical contact, creating accurate reference marks that guide fastener placement without requiring permanent attachment of adaptors during the alignment process.
3Ease of operation
If conventional single linear slot keyhole adaptors are used, then mounting is simplified, but security against dismounting deteriorates leaving objects susceptible to earthquake damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single linear slot into multiple separate fastening points or uses multiple fasteners distributed across different locations on the mounting surface. This segmentation prevents the object from dismounting through uniaxial movement, as each fastener independently restrains the object in different directions, providing stability against earthquake forces while maintaining simple installation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A marking apparatus and its method of use facilitate blind slide-mounting of an object to a mounting surface in a desired alignment using the object as an alignment template. The apparatus includes a post element, a retention element, a tightening element and a cover. The retention element is movable against resilient bias to allow the apparatus to capture a mounting slot in the object. The resilient bias moves the retention element to a gripping position, and the cover can be rotated so as to cause the tightening element to secure the grip of the apparatus to the object. When the object is aligned with and pushed toward the mounting surface, the cover moves against an elastic bias to allow a marking end of the apparatus to contact the mounting surface so as mark the appropriate location for installation of a fastener to supportingly engage the slide-mount slot of the object.