Mounting assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting assemblies for attaching accessories to furniture often require tools for installation and may not provide sufficient stability or resistance to removal along non-coincident directions.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly comprising a receiver member with a channel configuration and anchor members that can be inserted at non-parallel angles, providing a toolless connection and stability through a combination of angled insertion passages and connector portions that constrain movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional clamps are used to attach accessories to furniture, then the connection can be established, but tools are required for installation and the connection may not provide sufficient stability against removal along non-coincident directions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into separate receiver member and anchor member components that can be independently positioned and then joined together, enabling toolless installation while maintaining stability through the geometric constraint of the angled insertion passage
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor member is inserted into and nested within the receiver member through an angled passage, creating a nested configuration where the anchor leg fits within the receiver's internal geometry to provide secure attachment without requiring tools
2Adaptability or versatility
If the anchor member is allowed to be inserted at multiple directions for flexibility, then ease of installation is improved, but the ability to constrain movement in all directions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver member features an asymmetric angled insertion passage that is designed to receive the anchor member at a specific non-perpendicular angle. This asymmetric geometry provides flexibility for angled insertion while simultaneously constraining the anchor member to maintain a fixed orientation, preventing movement in directions other than along the passage angle
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver member has different geometric properties at different locations: the insertion passage has a specific angled orientation that allows flexible insertion from certain directions, while the internal surfaces and connector portions provide localized constraints that prevent movement in other directions, creating direction-dependent freedom and restriction
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly can comprise a channel member defining a channel and comprising a first side wall, a bottom wall a second sidewall opposite the first wall, an aperture between upper ends of the first and second sidewalls, and a ridge positioned on the bottom wall and extending along a longitudinal axis of the channel member. A first anchor member can comprise a first top wall, a first connector portion, and a first anchor leg extending downwardly from the top wall at a first anchor leg angle. A second anchor member can comprise a second top wall, a second connector portion configured to connect with the first connector portion, and a second anchor leg extending downwardly from the top wall at a second anchor leg angle. The first and second anchor members can be configured to be captured within the channel member when the first connector portion is connected to the second connector portion and the first anchor leg and the second anchor leg are positioned within the channel.