Tool-Free Support Bracket With Rack-and-Pinion Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support brackets for electronic devices require screws, making it complicated and inconvenient to attach or detach devices without a screwdriver, especially when one is not available.
Innovation Solution
A support bracket design featuring a housing with a guiding rail, a driving member, a gear mechanism, and engaging members that allow for tool-free attachment and detachment by using a button to engage and disengage the device through a rack-and-pinion mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screwed manner is used to fix the electronic device on the support frame, then the device can be securely fixed, but it becomes complicated and inconvenient for the user to attach/detach the device without a screwdriver
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is divided into separate components: a driving member with engaging portions that can independently protrude from the housing, and corresponding engaging grooves on the device. This segmentation allows the fixing function to be separated from the attachment operation, enabling secure fixation while maintaining ease of operation through simple pressing motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving member is designed to automatically engage with the device when pressed, and the resilient member automatically returns the engaging portions to the retracted position when the pressing force is released. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for tools or complex operations, allowing users to attach and detach devices simply by pressing and releasing the driving member.
2Strength
If a screwed manner is used to fix the electronic device, then the device can be firmly attached, but the user cannot attach/detach the device rapidly without finding a suitable screwdriver
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional screw-based mechanical system is replaced with a pressing-based mechanical system. The driving member converts the pressing force into linear motion to protrude the engaging portions, which then engage with the device through a simple snap-fit action. This substitution eliminates the need for rotational motion and tool intervention, dramatically reducing the time required for attachment and detachment while maintaining firm attachment through the engaging portions.
3Ease of operation
If engaging portions are designed to protrude from the housing, then rapid attachment is enabled, but the internal mechanism becomes more complex with multiple linking members and gear mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are merged into an integrated assembly: the driving member incorporates both the rack portion for gear engagement and the engaging portions for device attachment; the resilient member combines both the return spring function and the force transmission function; the linking members connect the driving motion to the engaging portions. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall internal mechanism while maintaining rapid attachment capability.
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 rapid and convenient attachment and detachment of electronic devices without tools, ensuring easy operation and secure engagement.
Implementation Method 1
the first resilient member generates an elastic force for pulling the driving member to move
Data Source
AI summary
A support bracket includes a housing, a driving member, a first linking member, a gear mechanism, a first engaging member, a second linking member and a second engaging member. The housing has a guiding rail and a through hole. The driving member has a driving portion and a first rack portion, and the driving portion is exposed out of the housing. The first linking member has a second rack portion and an engaging groove. The gear mechanism meshes with the first rack portion and the second rack portion. The first engaging member has a guiding portion and a first engaging portion, and the guiding portion is disposed in the guiding rail. Opposite ends of the second linking member are pivotally connected to the first linking member and the first engaging member, respectively. The second engaging member has a second engaging portion.