Snap-Fit Hardware Mounting Bracket With Integrated Biasing Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hardware mounting systems require additional fasteners and are not efficient in installation and removal, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The development of a hardware mounting bracket with a polymeric body featuring a rigid retainer and a biasing retainer, including leaf spring portions and projections, which allows for secure attachment and easy installation without additional fasteners, utilizing a snap-fit mechanism for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hardware mounting systems are used with additional fasteners, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting bracket and hardware attachment functions into a single integrated polymeric component. The biasing retainer with leaf spring portions and projections is molded as one piece with the bracket body, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the snap-fit mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric mounting bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates the snap-fit engagement through integrated retainers, and secures the hardware without additional fasteners. The biasing retainer with its leaf spring portions performs both the retaining and biasing functions in a single component
2Reliability
If traditional mounting systems with multiple fasteners are used, then secure engagement is achieved, but installation time and efficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-fit mechanism is pre-formed during manufacturing of the polymeric bracket body. The biasing retainer with leaf spring portions and projections is molded in place, so no assembly steps are required during installation. The hardware simply engages with the pre-configured snap-fit features, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining secure engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing retainer with leaf spring portions provides self-biasing action that automatically engages the hardware without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly procedures. The integrated design allows the hardware to self-align and engage with the snap-fit mechanism, eliminating the need for manual fastener installation
3Strength
If additional fasteners are used for hardware attachment, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket and hardware securing features are combined into a single polymeric component manufactured in one molding process. The biasing retainer with leaf spring portions is integrated directly into the bracket body, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble separate fasteners, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity through the engineered snap-fit mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The use of polymeric material with molded-in metal inserts or reinforcement provides the necessary structural integrity without requiring additional metal fasteners. The integrated design combines the advantages of polymeric materials (cost-effective molding, corrosion resistance) with the strength needed for secure hardware attachment
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
The solution provides efficient and easy installation and removal of hardware while maintaining structural integrity, reducing manufacturing costs and eliminating the need for additional fasteners, and ensuring uniform appearance and symmetry.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing retainer is further provided with a leaf spring
Data Source
AI summary
A hardware mounting bracket is provided with a polymeric bracket body adapted to be mounted to a support surface, wherein an aperture is formed through a mounting surface of the bracket body. A rigid retainer is provided on one end of the bracket body to receive hardware supported thereon. A biasing retainer is provided on another end of the bracket body spaced apart from the rigid retainer, wherein the biasing retainer is formed integrally with the bracket body, and wherein the biasing retainer comprises a projection extending away from the bracket body. A hardware mounting bracket is provided with a bracket body with an inclined surface, and a slotted aperture is formed through the inclined surface. A hardware mounting bracket is provided with a bracket body. An angled ramp extends from the bracket body, wherein an aperture is formed through a mounting surface of the bracket body.