Smart Living Products
ISDN2001/2002: Second Year Design Project
Mounting Configurations
ZHANG Haochun
Project Situation:
• Full hardware integration completed (projector + camera + all components)
• New learning & exploration requirements:
– Prioritize stability and space occupancy rate as core evaluation criteria
– Evaluate schemes
Designed Product
Specifications:
• Dimensions: 224 mm (L) × 180 mm (W) × 130 mm (H)
• Measured total mass: average 1.0265 kg
• Gravitational load: W=1.0265×9.81≈10.07 N
• Required functional space: 340 × 580 × 460 mm (approx.)
Cabinet Material Learning & Exploration:
• Initially considered Melamine-Faced Particleboard (MFC) for cost and availability
• Critical limitation: High moisture absorption and irreversible thickness swelling in kitchen environments
– Warps, expands, and loses structural integrity under humidity/steam/water

Conclusion: Multi-Layer Plywood is Chosen. Upgraded to 18 mm multi-layer plywood (glued laminated board) as the simulation cabinet material because:
• Stronger moisture resistance
• More stable/robust structure

Three Schemes Selected:
-
Edge Clamp Mounting (non-invasive, cabinet-edge)
-
Drilled Fixed Bracket (bottom-upward, 8 × M3.5 screws)
-
Adhesive Mounting (3M VHB Tape)
Core Evaluation Dimensions:
• Stability (static & dynamic safety margins)
• Space Occupancy Rate
• Invasiveness / Practicality (kitchen usability & hygiene)
Calculation Methods for All Schemes:

Schemes:
Edge Clamp Mounting:

Drilled Fixed Bracket (Material Comparison):

Drilled Fixed Bracket (Detailed Results):

Adhesive Mounting (3M VHB Tape):

Performance Summary Across Evaluation Dimensions

Best Scheme Recommendation
Conclusion from Calculation Results From the calculation results, the Drilled Fixed Bracket is indeed the best solution.
However, the Adhesive (VHB Tape) can still be considered as one of the preferred fixation options because of its:
• High static and dynamic safety margins
• Complete non-invasiveness
• Lowest space occupancy rate
Important Consideration for Adhesive Scheme The adhesive is susceptible to temperature and humidity, which may affect its physical properties. Since it needs to be fixed on the bottom of the cabinet, the fixation area must be properly sealed after installation.
Final Recommendation Proceed primarily with the Drilled Fixed Bracket (8 × M3.5 screws on 18 mm plywood). The Adhesive (VHB Tape) is a strong non-invasive alternative when proper edge sealing is implemented.
References
[1] 3M Company. (2022). 3M™ VHB™ Tape 4941F Technical Data Sheet.
[2] APA – The Engineered Wood Association. (2011). E830: Fastener Loads forPlywood – Screws.
[3] Roymech. Factor of Safety Design Guidelines.
[4] Sydor, M., Potok, Z., Pędzik, M., Hitka, M., & Rogoziński, T. (2023). The influenceof feed rate during pilot hole drilling on screw withdrawal resistance in particleboard. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products.
[5] HeveaBoard. Melamine-Faced Particleboard Product Specifications.
[6] Robam Living. Kitchen Cabinets: MDF vs Plywood, Which Material is Better?
[7] Engineers Edge. Coefficient of Friction Reference Table.