Support assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support assemblies mounted between converging structures, such as in corner positions, are prone to rotation and disengagement when significant forces are applied, posing a safety risk due to their inability to sustain forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly design featuring end caps with contrasting rotational axes, where the structure between the end caps is angled to intersect at approximately 45 degrees, minimizing moment forces and negating torsion forces by opposing them, thus stabilizing the assembly and preventing rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If end caps are mounted in parallel in existing support assemblies, then the assembly is simple to install, but the assembly rotates and becomes disengaged when significant forces are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The end caps are configured with contrasting rotational axes rather than being mounted in parallel. The first end cap has a rotational axis at a first angle to the structure axis, while the second end cap has a rotational axis at a second angle to the structure axis. This asymmetric configuration creates opposing moment forces that stabilize the assembly and prevent rotation when forces are applied.
2Force
If the structure between end caps is positioned to allow force application, then the support function is effective, but moment forces cause rotation and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The contrasting rotational axes of the end caps create opposing moment forces that act as counterweights to each other. When force is applied to the structure, the first end cap generates a moment force in one direction while the second end cap generates an opposing moment force, thereby negating the rotational effect and maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly and a method of assembling the support assembly that includes a structural member that is delimited by a first end and a second end with a first end cap configured to be arranged within the first end of the structural member and a second end configured to be arranged within the second end of the structural member to mount the structural member to a structure. The support assembly allows for forces to be applied in all directions without causing rotation or disengagement of the support assembly from a mounting structure.