Trophy Mount Skull Clamp with Multi-Axis Rotation for Secure Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trophy mount systems are not secure and do not facilitate multiple mounting positions or orientations, often relying on cumbersome adjustment options.

Innovation Solution

A trophy mount system that includes a skull coupling feature with a clamp and a positioning device allowing for secure attachment and rotation of the skull in multiple degrees of freedom, enabling various display orientations and positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a skull clamp with multiple degrees of freedom is used, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting positionsVSAvoidclamp structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is divided into multiple independent components: a base, an extension arm with first degree of freedom rotation, and a skull clamp assembly with second degree of freedom rotation. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to overall adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension arm serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables first degree of freedom rotation for positioning, and acts as a mounting interface for the skull clamp assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a secure coupling mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskull securityVSAvoidrepositioning difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through two rotational degrees of freedom, allowing the skull to be positioned and repositioned easily. The secure coupling is achieved not through fixed rigid connections but through controlled dynamic joints that maintain reliability while enabling operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a simplified rotational joint system. Instead of multiple screws and locks, the design uses friction-based or simple pinned rotations that provide both security and ease of repositioning, substituting a cumbersome mechanical system with a more elegant solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10378691B2Trophy mount and skull clamp

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 TYPICAL 4

AI summary

A trophy mount and a skull clamp are disclosed. The trophy mount can comprise a skull coupling feature configured to interface with and support a skull, and a positioning device configured to provide rotation of the skull coupling feature in at least two rotational degrees of freedom to facilitate positioning of the skull. The skull clamp can comprise a first jaw configured to extend into a foramen magnum of an occipital bone of a skull toward a nose end of the skull, and a second jaw operable with the first jaw to clamp the occipital bone and secure a bottom of the skull.