Spring Deck Clip for Tool-Less Stage Accessory Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching accessories to stage systems, such as drilling for nipple medallions and using hook and loop fasteners, cause damage to the deck surface and result in residual adhesive, respectively, leading to labor-intensive removal and inefficient installation.
Innovation Solution
A deck clip system with a profile featuring first and second protrusions and a spring feature, allowing tool-less attachment and detachment of accessories to edge rails of platform members using channels, eliminating the need for drilling and adhesive residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If drilling and nipple medallions are used to mount accessories, then secure attachment is achieved, but the deck surface is damaged and future use is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the clip with protrusions and channels) that mediates between the accessory and the deck surface. Instead of directly drilling into the deck, the clip engages with the deck's edge rail through channels and provides attachment points for accessories, thus protecting the deck surface while achieving secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into separate functional components: the clip body, the spring feature, and the engagement protrusions. This segmentation allows the clip to engage with the deck's edge rail through channels while providing separate attachment points for accessories, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and surface protection
2Ease of operation
If hook and loop fasteners are used to attach accessories, then easy attachment is achieved, but residual adhesive remains and labor-intensive removal is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adhesive component from the attachment system entirely. Instead of using hook and loop fasteners with adhesive backing that leave residue, the clip uses a mechanical interlocking mechanism with channels and protrusions that requires no adhesive, enabling easy attachment and removal without residual adhesive or labor-intensive cleanup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the adhesive-based mechanical system (hook and loop fasteners) with a pure mechanical interlocking system. The spring feature provides the necessary holding force through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for adhesive and enabling tool-less attachment and removal without residue
3Strength
If traditional mounting methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring feature provides self-service by automatically providing the necessary clipping force to secure the accessory once the protrusions are inserted into the channels. The spring's elastic deformation automatically engages the mechanism without requiring additional fastening steps, tools, or adhesive application, thereby achieving secure attachment while dramatically reducing installation time and labor costs
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 deck clip system reduces refurbishment work, minimizes damage to the deck surface, and enhances installation efficiency by enabling quick and easy attachment and removal of accessories without tools.
Implementation Method 1
A spring feature is disposed between the first portion and second portion. The spring feature is arranged and disposed to provide a clipping force between the first protrusion and the first channel and the second protrusion and the second channel when engaged.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, deck clip and stage system for attaching accessories to a platform member. A platform member having an edge rail having a first channel along a first surface of the edge rail and a second channel along a second surface is provided. A deck clip is provided having a profile including a first protrusion extending from a first portion of the deck clip and a second protrusion extending from a second portion of the deck clip. A spring feature is disposed between the first portion and second portion. The spring feature is arranged and disposed to provide a clipping force between the first protrusion and the first channel and the second protrusion and the second channel when engaged. The first protrusion is directed into the first channel and the second protrusion is directed into the second channel to detachably engage the deck clip to the platform member.