Wall-Mounted Overhead Rail Mounting Assembly with Spring-Loaded Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ceiling-mounted rail systems for lift units are impractical in environments where ceiling structural support is insufficient or uneven, making it difficult to mount rails effectively.

Innovation Solution

The development of wall-mounted overhead rail assemblies that include a mounting rail, an attachment bracket, and a spring-loaded pin, allowing the cross-rail to be securely attached to sidewalls without the need for ceiling supports, using a bracket receiving recess and retention flanges for secure positioning and a spring-loaded pin for locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ceiling-mounted rail systems are used, then the rail system can be installed in environments with adequate ceiling support, but it becomes impossible or impractical in environments with insufficient or uneven ceiling structural support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting location flexibilityVSAvoidstructural support reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional mounting approach by transitioning from ceiling-mounted rails to wall-mounted rails. The mounting rail is designed to attach to vertical sidewalls rather than horizontal ceilings, fundamentally changing the mounting orientation to adapt to environments where ceiling support is insufficient or uneven.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mounting dimension from vertical (ceiling) to horizontal (wall). The mounting rail attaches to the vertical sidewall surface, utilizing the wall's structural capacity instead of the ceiling's, thereby expanding the installable environment spectrum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wall-mounted mounting assemblies are implemented, then installation is possible in environments without adequate ceiling support, but additional mounting components and complexity are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting location flexibilityVSAvoidmounting assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a mounting rail for wall attachment, an attachment bracket for cross-rail connection, and a spring-loaded pin for locking. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded pin provides self-locking functionality, automatically securing the cross-rail to the attachment bracket without requiring additional fastening operations. The spring mechanism maintains continuous engagement, eliminating the need for separate locking steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If spring-loaded pins are used for locking, then secure attachment is achieved without additional tools, but the locking mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism transitions from static (fixed pins or bolts requiring manual tightening) to dynamic (spring-loaded pins that automatically engage and maintain locking force). The spring provides continuous pressure to maintain secure attachment while allowing for easy release when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 installation of overhead rail systems on sidewalls without additional tools, providing a stable and adjustable solution for lift units without the need for ceiling attachments, simplifying the installation process and accommodating various structural limitations.

Implementation Method 1

The spring-loaded pin is coupled to the attachment bracket and includes a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the spring-loaded pin is biased to the extended position to lock the cross-rail to the extension portion of the attachment bracket.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20220396455A1Mounting assemblies for overhead rail systems and overhead rail systems to support a lift unit

Publication Date: 2022.12.15 LIKO RES & DEV

AI summary

A mounting assembly for a cross-rail of an overhead rail system includes a mounting rail, an attachment bracket, and a spring-loaded pin. The mounting rail is configured to mount to a sidewall and includes a bracket receiving recess. The attachment bracket includes an attachment portion and an extension portion, wherein the attachment portion is shaped to correspond to the bracket receiving recess such that the attachment portion is positionable within the bracket receiving recess. The spring-loaded pin is coupled to the attachment bracket and includes a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the spring-loaded pin is biased to the extended position to lock the cross-rail to the extension portion of the attachment bracket.