Universal Mounting Bracket for Light Bars Using Spherical Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mounting brackets for light bars are not adaptable and are specific to particular light bars and vehicles, requiring multiple bracket types for different configurations, which complicates manufacturing and consumer selection.
Innovation Solution
A universal, adjustable mounting device with a base mount assembly and light mount that includes complimentary spherical surfaces and grooves, allowing for arcuate movement and adjustment to fit various light bars and vehicles in different configurations, including roof and pillar mounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mounting brackets are specifically configured for a particular light bar and vehicle configuration, then the mounting bracket can be optimized for that specific use, but the manufacturer must produce multiple different bracket types and the consumer has difficulty finding the correct bracket
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with a universal base mount that can be attached to different vehicle surfaces (roof, pillars, etc.) and a light mount that can accommodate various light bar sizes and shapes. The spherical surfaces and grooves allow the same bracket to function in multiple mounting configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized bracket types.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket incorporates movable spherical surfaces that can rotate and adjust to different positions. The base mount and light mount can be positioned at various angles and orientations, allowing the bracket to adapt dynamically to different light bar configurations and vehicle surfaces rather than being fixed in a single configuration.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional mounting brackets are made from formed sheet metal for specific configurations, then the manufacturing process is simple for each bracket type, but the overall manufacturing complexity increases due to producing multiple bracket varieties
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal mounting bracket that can accommodate multiple light bar and vehicle configurations, the manufacturer produces only one bracket type instead of multiple specialized types. This increases productivity by consolidating production while maintaining ease of manufacture through the use of formable sheet metal that can be shaped to fit various configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting bracket is designed to accommodate different light bar sizes and shapes, then the consumer benefit from a single versatile product, but the bracket structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket uses spherical surfaces at the interface between the base mount and light mount. These spherical surfaces allow for rotational movement and adjustment to accommodate different light bar sizes and shapes without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms. The curvature provides inherent adaptability through simple geometric forms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is divided into separate components: a base mount that attaches to the vehicle and a light mount that attaches to the light bar. These segments are connected through spherical surfaces that allow independent positioning, enabling the bracket to adapt to different configurations while keeping each component's structure relatively simple.
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
Enables the use of a single mounting device with multiple light bars and vehicles, simplifying manufacturing and consumer choice, while providing adaptability for different sizes and shapes of light bars and mounting configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The first base mount and the second base mount may include complimentary spherical surfaces which interface with each other. The complimentary spherical surfaces of the first base mount and the second base mount may be moveable relative to each other to effectuate movement between the first base mount and the second base mount along an arcuate path.
Implementation Method 2
The base mount assembly and the light mount may have complimentary spherical surfaces which interface with each other. The complimentary spherical surfaces of the base mount assembly and the light mount may be moveable relative to each other to effectuate arcuate movement between the base mount assembly and the light mount.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable mounting device is provided comprising a base mount assembly including a first base mount and a second base mount pivotally coupled to each other, with the first base mount and the second base mount each being configured to be attachable to the vehicle. A light mount is pivotally coupled to the base mount assembly and is configured to be attachable to the light bar for mounting the light bar on the vehicle.