Securable wall bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall-mounted rack systems lack adequate locking mechanisms to securely retain brackets on support structures, especially in high vibration environments where vertical and horizontal movement can occur, compromising the stability of both lightweight and heavy items.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism that applies a horizontal force to the hook structure of the bracket, using a rotatably connected securing bar to generate frictional engagement with the support structure, resisting both vertical and horizontal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lever lock is used to prevent bracket dislodgement, then vertical movement is limited, but horizontal movement is not restricted causing bracket walking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent functional components: a lever lock that prevents vertical dislodgement and a securing bar that prevents horizontal movement. This segmentation allows each component to address a specific directional movement issue without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between preventing dislodgement and allowing operational movement freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention addresses the limitation of the lever lock by introducing a securing bar that operates in a different dimensional plane. While the lever lock addresses vertical movement, the securing bar addresses horizontal movement by engaging with the front surface of the support member, effectively locking the bracket in both vertical and horizontal dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If gaps are maintained above and below the lever lock for rotation, then locking mechanism can operate, but vertical movement is not completely eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The securing bar acts as an intermediary element that complements the lever lock system. While the lever lock provides vertical locking with necessary gaps for operation, the securing bar provides additional horizontal constraint, effectively mediating the overall stability issue by addressing the remaining movement freedom in the horizontal plane.
3Device complexity
If only weight-based retention is used, then bracket design is simple, but bracket is easily dislodged especially when lightweight
Solution Approach 1:
The securing bar is rotatably connected to the bracket body and can be positioned in advance to engage with the support member before the bracket is fully installed or loaded. This preliminary action ensures that even lightweight brackets are secured against horizontal movement from the outset, preventing dislodgement before weight-based retention can take effect.
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
The solution provides a more secure wall-mounted storage system by completely eliminating vertical and horizontal movement, enhancing stability for high-value items and applications in high vibration environments.
Implementation Method 1
apples a horizontal force to urge the hook structure of a wall-mount bracket against the back wall surface of a support member, thereby generating frictional engagement between the bracket and the support structure
Data Source
AI summary
A storage rack apparatus including a locking mechanism that secures a bracket (10) to a supporting member such as a wall-mounted rail (48) or panel (54). A securing bar (36) is rotatably attached to the body (12) of the bracket and is rotatable between unlocked (FIGS. 3 and 6) and locked (FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 8) positions. In the unlocked position, an unlocking portion (44) of the securing bar does not make contact with the rail or panel. In the locked position, a locking portion (46) of the securing bar makes forced contact with a front surface (50, 62) of the supporting member, thereby placing the hooks (24, 26) of the bracket into frictional engagement with the rear surface (16) of the supporting member to resist movement of the bracket from its installed position.