Spring-Loaded Accessory Hub for Tool-Free Wall Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bathroom accessory mounting systems require significant force for removal, leading to stripped holes in walls and subsequent installation issues, particularly on plasterboard walls.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device featuring a collet with first and second cleat portions and a button mechanism that allows for easy attachment and removal by engaging and disengaging these cleat portions, using a spring to secure the accessory hub to the wall without causing damage.
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 drywall anchors to strip and leaves stripped holes in the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into separate components: a wall-mounted base with cleat portion and a removable accessory hub with corresponding engagement features. This segmentation allows the accessory hub to be easily attached and detached from the base without requiring significant force, thereby preventing damage to the wall anchors while maintaining secure attachment during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet mechanism acts as an intermediary between the accessory hub and the wall-mounted base. It provides a controlled engagement and disengagement interface that allows the accessory to be securely held during normal use but easily removed when needed, eliminating the need for excessive force that would damage drywall anchors.
2Ease of operation
If significant force is applied to remove accessory devices from the wall, then the accessory can be detached from the mounting system, but the drywall anchors strip and subsequent installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static, permanent attachment to a dynamic, controllable connection. The collet mechanism allows the accessory hub to be easily inserted and removed from the wall-mounted base by simple pushing or pulling motions, eliminating the need for significant force that would compromise wall integrity while ensuring reliable attachment during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for easy discarding (removal) of the accessory hub from the wall-mounted base when needed, and recovering (reinstallation) of new accessories in the same location without damaging the original wall anchors. The modular design preserves the integrity of the wall mounting points for future use.
3Reliability
If a spring mechanism is used to automatically return the button to the home position, then the accessory hub remains securely attached until manually released, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically returning the button to its home position after manual depression, maintaining secure attachment of the accessory hub without requiring additional user intervention. This self-actuating feature enhances reliability while adding only minimal complexity to the overall device.
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, preventing stripped holes and ensuring secure installation, with the button mechanism ensuring the accessory hub remains attached until manually released.
Implementation Method 1
The button is displaceable from a home position where it extends from the body of the collet to a displaced position where the button is displaced into the bore and body of the collet. 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.