Universal Equipment Mount with Segmented Joints for Heavy Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing universal mounts for vehicles, such as aircraft and cars, are limited in supporting heavy equipment due to torque constraints and lack of control in adjusting the orientation of heavy accessories, which makes manual operation cumbersome and restricts their use for various types of accessories beyond lightweight ones like sun visors.

Innovation Solution

A universal equipment mount with interconnected mounting plates and joints that allow for six degrees of freedom, featuring locking members and a unique joint design that can withstand 10 foot-pounds of torque, enabling secure and adjustable mounting of heavy equipment on various surfaces, including windshields and side panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional ball joints are used to facilitate wide range of adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but the torque capacity is limited and cannot support heavy equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidtorque capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mount is divided into multiple independent joints (first joint and second joint) that can be adjusted independently. Each joint has its own locking mechanism, allowing the equipment to be positioned in various orientations while maintaining structural integrity and torque capacity for heavy equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If universal joints are designed to support heavy objects, then torque capacity is improved, but manual operation becomes difficult due to excessive tightening force required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque capacityVSAvoidmanual adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Locking members act as intermediaries between the user and the joints. These locking members secure the joints in desired positions without requiring excessive manual force to maintain the connection, enabling both heavy equipment support and easy manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If universal joints are loosened to adjust orientation, then adaptability is improved, but heavy objects tend to tilt downwards requiring one hand to support them

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking members prevent the harmful effect of equipment tilting downward by securing the joints in desired positions before adjustment is completed. This preliminary securing action eliminates the need for manual support during adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional universal mounts are designed for specific accessory types, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different accessory types is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidaccessory compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mount is designed with universal mounting plates and adjustable joints that can accommodate various types of equipment regardless of shape or size. The first and second joints provide multiple degrees of freedom, enabling the same mount structure to securely hold different accessory types in optimal orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7753329B2Universal equipment mount

Publication Date: 2010.07.13 ROSEN SUNVISOR SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A universal mount for mounting equipment to a surface in a desired orientation.