Twist-Lock Back Plate Assembly to Reduce Tool Complexity and Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home hardware back plate assemblies require complex tool designs with multiple moving parts, leading to tool wear and increased costs, and have large profiles that occupy additional shelf space in retail environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of twist-lock, slide-lock, and wedge-lock back plate assemblies with simplified designs featuring a base and attachment components that utilize mount apertures, grooves, ledges, and flexible tabs to securely mount home hardware items like hooks and shower rods, allowing for decorative covers to conceal the base and reduce profile dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex tool designs with several moving parts are used, then the attachment can be securely mounted to the base, but tool wear increases and tool life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly is divided into separate components: a tool body, a connector member, and a lock member. Each component has a specific function and can be manufactured independently, reducing complexity while maintaining secure mounting capability through the interaction of these segmented parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate lock member that can be independently engaged with the base, rather than being integrated into a complex moving assembly. This extracted locking mechanism simplifies the overall tool design while ensuring reliable mounting.
2Reliability
If complex tool designs with several moving parts are used, then the attachment can be securely mounted to the base, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the tool into separate manufacturable components allows each part to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the secure mounting function through the assembled configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for the use of simpler, potentially disposable components like the connector member and lock member that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, reducing the cost of complex durable mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If covers with large surface areas and profiles are used, then the base is well concealed, but additional shelf space is required in retail environment
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed as a thin profile component that provides adequate concealment of the base while minimizing its own dimensions. This thin-film approach to the cover allows it to fulfill its aesthetic function without occupying excessive shelf space in retail environments.
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
These assemblies reduce tool wear and complexity, provide a low-profile design for easier storage and installation, and enable the use of ultra-thin materials for decorative covers, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while ensuring secure attachment of home hardware items.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the grooves and each of the lock features may define a taper to permit annular deformation of the base when the attachment is mounted to the base and a force is applied to the attachment
Implementation Method 2
An upper portion of the connector is sized for insertion of the first intersecting member within the attachment opening, then lateral translation such that the second intersecting member is secured between the arms. The base may further define a pair of flexible tabs each extending from one of the pair of arms and each including a lip sized to partially overlap a portion of the connector. Each of the pair of flexible tabs may be arranged with the arms to receive a portion of a force applied to the attachment when the attachment is mated to the base.
Data Source
AI summary
A back plate assembly for home hardware is provided with a base and an attachment. The base includes at least one mount aperture and is adapted to be mounted to a support surface. The base defines a receptacle, a through-hole, a pair of grooves disposed at an outer edge of the through-hole, and a pair of ledges offset from an inner edge of the through-hole. The attachment includes a lock member with a pair of lock features and a connector member sized for insertion between the pair of ledges when the attachment is oriented in a first radial position. Each of the pair of lock features is positioned on the attachment for insertion within one of the grooves and the connector member is sized to rest upon the ledges when the connector member extends through the through-hole and the attachment is rotated to a second radial position.