Through-Wall Arm and Bracket Mounting for Drywall Without Studs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mounting systems for hollow-cavity wall construction, such as drywall, are inadequate for securely attaching objects like handrails and shelving, as they rely on stud locations and cannot withstand significant loads when using conventional drywall anchors, which are often complex, expensive, or designed for single-use.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising an arm and a bracket that clamp opposing sides of a wall, using conical-shaped points for engagement and a fastener to distribute load across a section of drywall, allowing for secure attachment without relying on stud locations, and is reusable and easy to install.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional drywall anchors are used, then a mounting point is provided, but the anchors cannot support significant loads
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: an arm that passes through the wall, a bracket that engages the wall surface, and a fastener that secures them together. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the arm providing structural support and the bracket providing engagement, together achieving high load support capacity without requiring studs
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional two-dimensional wall surface mounting to three-dimensional mounting by passing the arm through the wall cavity. This dimensional change allows the mounting structure to utilize the wall thickness, creating a more robust anchoring system that can support significant loads without relying on stud locations
2Strength
If anchors made for higher loads are used, then load support capacity is improved, but the anchors are complex, difficult to install, expensive, and/or designed for single use
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the mounting system into simple, separate components (arm, bracket, fastener), each piece can be designed with minimal complexity while collectively achieving high load support capacity. The simple geometry of each component makes them easy to manufacture, install, and replace if needed
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to be removable and reusable. When the fastener is loosened, the arm can be withdrawn from the wall cavity and the bracket removed from the wall surface, allowing the entire system to be recovered and reused at a different location, eliminating the single-use limitation of conventional high-capacity anchors
3Reliability
If mounting systems rely on stud locations, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation is limited to underlying wall construction
Solution Approach 1:
The system moves from two-dimensional surface mounting dependent on stud locations to three-dimensional mounting that utilizes the wall cavity space. The arm passes through the wall and engages the bracket, creating a secure attachment that is independent of stud locations and can be installed anywhere on the wall
Solution Approach 2:
The arm acts as an intermediary element that connects the bracket (engaging the wall surface) to the mounting object. This intermediary allows secure attachment to be achieved without direct engagement with wall studs, providing installation flexibility while maintaining attachment reliability
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 provides stable and secure attachment of objects to drywall without studs, distributing load effectively and allowing for easy installation and removal without damaging the wall, while being reusable and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
frictionally engaging the wall between the arm and the bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system includes an arm having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to engage a first side of a wall. The mounting system further includes a bracket configured to engage a second side of the wall opposing the first side, the bracket coupled to the arm by a fastener, wherein the second end of the arm is configured to engage the first side of the wall at a location offset from the fastener.