Modular Mounting Systems
Modular mounting systems are a series of components that fit together to mount sensors, cameras, screens, and more in robotic applications. They give the designer numerous standard configurations to choose from that can fit almost any type of robotic application.
Modular mounting systems are an assembly often consisting of a mounting base, tube(s), tube connectors, bracket clamp and a mounting bracket. Adjustable lever kits are also available for quick adjustments. Mounting bases are used to mount the sensor system to another surface in the robot using two screws. If portability is desired, a magnetic based can be added. Tubes are the connection between the various clamps, connectors, and mounting bases. Round stainless steel tubes have better corrosion resistance while aluminum square tubes are ideal for lightweight applications. Two-way connectors have two through holes to feed tubes through and are available in parallel, perpendicular, and adjustable configurations. This gives the user the ability to customize their system to accommodate their positioning requirements. A bracket clamp attaches to a tube and mates with an equivalently sized bracket. Brackets are available with through hole for sensors or without hole for mounting directly to cameras, screens, and other components.
Ruland has greatly simplified this process of selecting components that fit together by offering predesigned systems for the most common robotic applications. They give the user the ability to start with a base design and then customize to the needs of the specific application such as adding scales to tubes, selecting the length of tubes, and using additional adjustable levers. Predesigned systems save designers time by having all of the parts needed to build a complete system on one page, having CAD files for complete systems instead of the individual components, and providing an example of how the different components integrate together should a design dictate the need to build a custom system. If a custom system is needed, Ruland has put together a quick tutorial on how to select the various components to ensure they fit together. All modular mounting system components are sourced from JW Winco and stocked in our Marlborough, Massachusetts factory.
