Tool-Free Rack Mount Anchoring Device to Replace Cage Nut Components
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cage nut components in existing rack mount systems are difficult to insert, require special tools, pose a risk of injury, and are costly due to separate manufacturing of the nut and clip support, necessitating an improved anchoring system for securing objects.
Innovation Solution
An anchoring device with a base portion and hooks or a magnet that secures to the rack mount system, allowing for tool-free insertion and alignment of apertures for fasteners, providing a retrofittable solution that eliminates the need for cage nuts and insertion tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cage nut components are used to secure objects to rack mount systems, then anchoring functionality is provided, but insertion difficulty increases and special tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cage nut and clip support into a single integrated anchoring component. This merging eliminates the need for separate parts and special insertion tools, allowing the component to be easily installed by simply inserting it through the opening in the rack mount system where the integrated structure provides both the anchoring function and the retention mechanism simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex insertion mechanism and special tools that were required for traditional cage nut components. By removing these unnecessary elements and retaining only the essential anchoring function, the system achieves ease of operation without requiring specialized tools or complex insertion procedures.
2Ease of manufacture
If cage nut components with separate nut and clip support are manufactured, then anchoring functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate cage nut and clip support components into a single integrated part. This reduces the quantity of components from two separate parts to one unified component, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly steps while maintaining the full anchoring functionality.
3Reliability
If traditional cage nut insertion method is used, then anchoring is achieved, but risk of finger injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dangerous compression and insertion action required for traditional cage nut components. By eliminating the need to manually compress clips and force parts into place, the design removes the source of finger injury risk while maintaining reliable anchoring installation through simple insertion of the integrated component.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchoring device for securing objects within a rack mount system using fasteners. The anchoring device has a base portion with flush and anchor faces, the anchor faces defining apertures. Hooks are provided for securing the anchoring device to the rack mount system. Each hook has a horizontal arm with base and distal ends, and a vertical arm with upper and lower ends. Each base end is coupled to the anchor face and each distal end is coupled to the upper end of one vertical arm. Hooks are receivable within openings in the rack mount system to secure the anchoring device. The apertures in the base portion align with the openings in the rack mount system when the anchoring device is secured to the rack mount system such that the object is securable to the rack mount system by engaging the fasteners with the apertures in the anchoring device.