Spring-Loaded Accessory Hub for Tool-Free Wall Mounting and Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bathroom accessory mounting systems require significant force for removal, leading to damage to plasterboard walls and stripped holes, making reinstallation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device with a collet and accessory hub system, featuring a first and second cleat portion engagement mechanism and a spring-actuated button for secure attachment and easy removal, utilizing a collet with mounting tabs and a spring retainer for secure wall anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If drywall anchors are used to mount accessory devices to a wall, then the accessory device can be securely attached to the wall, but significant force is required for removal which causes damage to plasterboard walls and strips the drywall anchors
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a collet mounted to the wall and an accessory hub that attaches to the collet. The cleat portions are separable, allowing the accessory hub to be removed from the wall-mounted collet without requiring force that would damage the wall or strip anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet serves as an intermediary component between the wall and the accessory hub. It provides a mounting interface that secures the accessory without requiring direct anchoring to the wall, thereby preventing wall damage during removal while maintaining secure attachment.
2Ease of operation
If significant force is applied to remove accessory devices from the wall, then the accessory can be detached, but the drywall anchors strip and leave stripped holes in the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static, permanent installation to a dynamic, reversible connection. The cleat engagement mechanism allows the accessory hub to be easily attached and detached from the collet without damaging the wall, enabling multiple reinstallations while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If a cleat engagement mechanism is used to prevent downward motion of the accessory hub, then secure retention is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete cleat portions that engage with each other. This segmentation allows for secure retention through a straightforward mechanical interface without requiring complex components or assembly procedures.
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
Enables easy attachment and removal of bathroom accessories without damaging the wall, ensuring secure retention and easy reinstallation by preventing downward motion and using a spring mechanism for effortless detachment.
Implementation Method 1
The button may be displaced with a manual depression and automatically returned to the home position following termination of the manual depression by a spring within a bore of the body of the collet
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory hub joins accessories such as towel bars and robe hooks to a wall. In order to attach the accessory to the wall, a collet is fastened to the wall. The accessory hub may be joined to the collet with a spring-loaded button extending from the collet that is inserted into a receiver in the accessory hub. A first cleat portion on the collet mates with a second cleat portion on the accessory hub further securing the accessory hub to the collet. The accessory may then be attached to the accessory hub. The accessory hub may be detached from the collet without damaging the wall by depressing the button into the collet and disengaging the first and second cleat portions.