Spring-Coupled Bracket Assembly for Tool-Free Support Rod Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a bracket system that provides a seamless aesthetic appearance and simplifies the installation process for support rods, such as those used in closets, bathrooms, or for exercise, while reducing installation time and allowing for easy mounting between two walls.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system comprising a bracket member with a base portion and a rod support member featuring spring portions that facilitate coupling with a cover member, allowing for easy assembly and secure mounting to walls, with the spring portions compressing to maintain the coupling and provide outward force for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brackets are mounted to walls with fasteners to support rods, then the support structure is reliable and stable, but the installation process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the wall and a rod support member that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the mounting portion to remain securely fixed while the rod support portion can be quickly installed and removed without complex fastening procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is pre-assembled with the rod support member before mounting to the wall. This preliminary assembly simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of steps required during actual mounting, as the complex bracket structure is already prepared and only needs to be attached to the wall and receive the rod.
2Reliability
If traditional brackets are used to support rods, then the mounting is secure, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised due to visible brackets and fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The rod support member is nested within or integrated with the mounting bracket structure, creating a compact unified assembly that minimizes visible components. The design allows the functional elements to be contained within the bracket's form, reducing visual clutter while maintaining structural integrity and secure mounting.
3Productivity
If the bracket system uses simple mounting methods, then the installation is quick and easy, but the mounting reliability and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system incorporates self-aligning features and intuitive assembly mechanisms that allow the components to automatically position themselves correctly during installation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized installation tools, enabling quick and easy installation while ensuring proper positioning and secure mounting through the design's inherent guidance features.
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 system offers a visually appealing and efficient installation method for support rods, ensuring a secure and aesthetically pleasing solution for mounting rods between walls, enhancing usability and reducing installation time.
Implementation Method 1
The spring portion is compressed or deformed and then the cover member is slid over the spring portion. Upon release of the compression on the spring portion, the spring portion exerts an outward force onto the cover member to maintain the coupling between the cover member and the bracket member.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket system for mounting a support rod, such as a closet rod, a shower curtain rod, a towel bar, or the like, between two support surfaces. The bracket system includes a bracket member and a cover member. The bracket member includes a base portion and a rod support member. The rod support member includes a support portion that supports the support rod and a spring portion that facilitates coupling of the bracket member to the cover member. The spring portion is compressed or deformed and then the cover member is slid over the spring portion. Upon release of the compression on the spring portion, the spring portion exerts an outward restoring force onto the cover member to couple the cover member to the bracket member. The support rod is supported by the support portion of the rod support member and extends through an opening in the cover member.