Hands-Free Support Bolt With Catch Bar Fixture Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mounting operations for heavy or awkwardly shaped objects often require multiple installers or additional steps, increasing time and cost, as installers need to manually support the object while aligning and securing it to a support, risking damage from mishandling.
Innovation Solution
A hands-free support bolt system featuring a threaded rod with a pivotable or expandable catch bar that securely retains a fixture on the rod, allowing for hands-free support during mounting by preventing the fixture from slipping off, enabling installers to perform other tasks without manual stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external bracket is mounted between the fixture and post to provide hands-free support, then the fixture can be supported without manual intervention, but the mounting process requires additional steps and increases time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support function and the mounting function into a single integrated threaded rod assembly. The catch bar mechanism is built into the threaded rod itself, eliminating the need for separate external brackets. This merging of functions provides hands-free support capability while reducing the number of mounting steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded rod serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables hands-free retention through the catch bar mechanism, and facilitates mounting through its threaded design. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external brackets while maintaining the hands-free support capability.
2Ease of operation
If manual support is required during mounting operations, then the installer can control the fixture position, but the installer must simultaneously hold the object and perform other tasks, increasing time and risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The catch bar mechanism automatically engages with the fixture aperture to provide hands-free support without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system serves itself by maintaining fixture position through the mechanical catch bar retention, freeing the installer to perform other mounting tasks without time loss.
3Ease of operation
If the catch bar extends radially outwardly to retain the fixture, then hands-free support is achieved, but the catch bar must be moveable between positions to allow initial fixture placement
Solution Approach 1:
The catch bar is designed as a moveable component that can transition between a retracted position (allowing fixture placement) and an extended position (providing hands-free retention). This dynamic capability enables the simple mechanism to achieve complex hands-free support functionality without requiring overly complicated structures.
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 allows for efficient, secure, and safe mounting of fixtures by eliminating the need for manual support, reducing installation time and costs, and preventing damage to objects during the mounting process.
Implementation Method 1
the catch bar may be resilient and may be expandable from a compressed state wherein the catch bar permits the aperture to be positioned over the threaded rod to an expanded state wherein the catch bar extends at least partially radially outwardly from the threaded rod
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system includes a support including a threaded rod and a fixture including an aperture configured to be positioned over the threaded rod. The system also includes a catch bar coupled to the threaded rod and moveable relative to the threaded rod between a first position wherein the catch bar permits the aperture to be positioned over the threaded rod, and a second position wherein the catch bar extends at least partially radially outwardly from the threaded rod to thereby retain the fixture on the threaded rod.