Slotwall Mounting Bracket With Lever Lock for Heavy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slotwall and slot track systems lack secure and easy-to-use brackets for mounting large and heavy objects, which can inadvertently be removed or dislodged.
Innovation Solution
A mounting bracket with 'J' shaped hooks and a locking mechanism that securely engages with slot tracks or slot wall panels, featuring a support surface with two 'J' shaped hooks and a rotatable lock to prevent movement, along with a storage device connector and actuator system for holding objects like bicycles or storage baskets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple bracket design is used for mounting on slotwall panels, then ease of manufacture and installation are improved, but security against inadvertent removal or dislodging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into multiple functional components: a body portion that engages with the slotwall panel, a locking mechanism with movable and fixed locking members, and an object-receiving portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates movable locking members that can transition between locked and unlocked positions, providing dynamic security control. The fixed locking member works in conjunction with the movable member to create a reliable locking system that is both secure and operable.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is added to prevent inadvertent removal, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-latching, where the movable locking member automatically engages with the fixed locking member to secure the bracket in place. This self-service feature maintains reliability while minimizing the need for complex external locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the body portion of the bracket, merging the security function with the mounting structure. This integration reduces overall device complexity by eliminating separate locking components and simplifying the assembly process.
3Ease of operation
If existing brackets are used for mounting heavy objects, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent removal
Solution Approach 1:
The movable locking member acts as an intermediary between the user's manual operation and the secure locking state. By manipulating this single component, the user can easily transition the bracket between locked and unlocked positions, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a distinct mechanism within the bracket, allowing it to be operated independently from the mounting and object-holding functions. This extraction enables easy operation of the locking mechanism without affecting other aspects of bracket functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting bracket is provided for removably mounting a storage device on a slot track or slotwall panel having a plurality of slots having undercut sidewalls that form generally “T” shaped slats. The mounting bracket includes a support surface having a first “J” shaped hook to hook over the edge of a slat and into the undercut sidewall and a second “J” shaped hook to hook into a second slot and into the undercut sidewall. The mounting bracket includes a storage device connector attached to the support surface at a first end and has a second end. The storage device connector can include a lock rotatably mounted on the top wall adjacent the first “J” shaped hook having a locking member and an operator that is rotatable between locked and unlocked positions. A storage device can be coupled to the second end of the storage device connector. The storage device can be an actuatable holding system for a bicycle, or other storage device such as a basket or a storage shelf.