Adaptable bracket assembly system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracket assemblies are specific to particular slotted standards, requiring knowledge of the standard size to match brackets with the retail environment, limiting adaptability and necessitating separate procurement for different standard sizes.
Innovation Solution
A bracket assembly with a semicircular and rectangular tooth design that securely attaches to various slotted standards (A, B, and C line) using a fastening mechanism, allowing for interchangeable connection and integration with slat grid panels, accommodating both recessed and surface-mounted standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bracket assemblies are designed to be specific to particular slotted standards, then secure attachment is achieved, but adaptability to different standard sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is designed with a universal interface that can attach to multiple slotted standard types (A-line, B-line, and C-line standards). The bracket incorporates a toothed engagement mechanism with multiple tooth configurations that can interface with different slot sizes, allowing a single bracket design to serve multiple functions across different standard specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket employs varying tooth depths and configurations at different locations along its length. Specifically, the bracket has shallow teeth for engaging with C-line standards (1-inch slots) and deep teeth for engaging with A-line and B-line standards (1/2-inch slots). This local variation in tooth geometry allows the same bracket to securely attach to different standard types by engaging the appropriate teeth with the corresponding slots.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple standard-specific brackets are procured for different slotted standards, then compatibility is ensured, but device complexity and procurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly consolidates multiple standard-specific functions into a single universal design. By incorporating both shallow and deep teeth in one bracket, the system eliminates the need to maintain separate inventory of A-line, B-line, and C-line specific brackets, thereby reducing procurement complexity and inventory management requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple standard-specific brackets into a single multi-functional bracket. The combination of different tooth depths and configurations within one bracket assembly allows it to replace what would traditionally require three separate bracket types, simplifying the overall system and reducing the number of components needed.
3Reliability
If deep teeth are used for all slotted standards, then secure engagement is achieved, but the bracket cannot fit shallower slots of C line standards
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket features spatially varying tooth depths along its length. The shallow teeth are positioned to engage with C-line standard slots, while deep teeth are positioned to engage with A-line and B-line standard slots. This local differentiation in tooth geometry allows the bracket to achieve secure engagement with each standard type using the appropriate tooth depth for that specific standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket's tooth structure is segmented into distinct regions with different tooth depths. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for a specific standard type, with the shallow tooth region interfacing with C-line standards and the deep tooth region interfacing with A-line and B-line standards, thereby achieving both secure engagement and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Adaptable bracket assemblies may be used with a plurality of different slotted standards. The bracket assembly may include two tabs or teeth, three notches, and a fastening mechanism (such as a tightening screw). The depth and shape of the tabs or teeth may be provided to allow attachment of the bracket assembly to a plurality of different vertical slotted standards. Further, the dimensions of the bracket assembly may allow the bracket assembly to be used adaptably on any of a plurality of different vertical slotted standards (i.e., A line, B, line, C line) that may be installed in a retail environment. Thus, it is not necessary to procure different types of brackets depending on which slotted standard is being used within a retail environment.