Wedge-Clamped Bracket Assembly for Structures Without Mounting Points
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracket systems require pre-defined elements on structures for installation, making it difficult to support portable equipment on structures without such provisions.
Innovation Solution
A bracket assembly featuring a cylindrical body, holding bracket, groove element, and elongated wedge-shaped element that clamps onto a structure element by increasing clamping force through a sliding wedge mechanism, allowing attachment to structures without pre-defined elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If brackets are adapted to engage structure elements at pre-determined locations, then installation is greatly facilitated, but the bracket cannot be installed on structure elements without pre-defined elements
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can engage with structure elements that have pre-defined openings or recesses, and also clamp onto smooth structure elements without any pre-defined elements. The combination of groove element for smooth surfaces and leg elements for structured surfaces provides universal adaptability across different structure types.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly incorporates a dynamic wedge element that can be adjusted along the channel to modify the clamping force. This allows the bracket to adapt to different structure element sizes and shapes, providing both ease of installation and versatility across various structural configurations.
2Reliability
If a bracket assembly uses a wedge element to increase clamping force, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: the groove element for initial positioning, the leg elements for structural engagement, the channel for guiding the wedge, and the wedge element itself for force amplification. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel acts as an intermediary structure that guides the wedge element and transmits the adjustment force. By providing a defined path for the wedge, the channel simplifies the mechanism compared to an unguided wedge system, reducing complexity while maintaining the force multiplication 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
Enables secure and stable attachment of portable equipment to structures without pre-defined attachment points, providing adjustable clamping force and preventing lateral movement.
Implementation Method 1
The elongated wedge-shaped element selectively moves within the open-ended channel between a first position and a second position... when the elongated wedge-shaped element is slidably moved from the first position to the second position, the central portion is urged away from the other central portion thereby increasing a clamping force
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket assembly and method for supporting portable element on a structure element using a bracket assembly are disclosed. The bracket assembly includes a cylindrical body, a holding bracket, a groove element including a body defining a groove shaped for conforming to and receiving a first portion of the structure element, a main bracket including a central portion, and a first leg element and a second leg element including grasping end sections for grasping a second portion of the structure element, the main bracket and the holding bracket being configured to cooperate so as to collaboratively form an open-ended channel, and an elongated wedge-shaped element selectively moving in the open-ended channel, when the elongated wedge-shaped element is slidably moved from a first position to a second position, a clamping force applied by the bracket assembly on the structure element is increased.