Case systems with rail components for securing payloads

Abstract

Case systems with rail components for securing payloads are described.

Description

CASE SYSTEMS WITH RAIL COMPONENTS FOR SECURING PAYLOADSCROSS REFERENCE

[0001] The present Application for Patent claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 571,326 by Guarino, entitled “CASE RAIL SYSTEM,” filed March 28, 2024, which is assigned to the assignee hereof, and which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The following relates to case systems, including case systems with rail components for securing payloads.BACKGROUND

[0003] Some case systems may be implemented to secure (e.g., mount) and enclose a payload for storage, transport, or use (e.g., to provide protection for the payload during such implementation). Mounting solutions in a case may impose physical constraints on the payload or case itself, decrease accessibility to the payload, or both. For example, in some implementations, a payload may be mounted to a standardized rack mounting system in a case. Physical constraints of a standardized rack mounting system may limit a type of equipment or a physical size of equipment capable of being mounted in the case system. Standardized rack mounting systems also may not be designed with accessibility in mind, which may impede payload mounting or retrieval (e.g., unmounting, removal) from a case.SUMMARY

[0004] The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support case systems with rail components for securing payloads. For example, a case system may include a case having an opening and a door (e.g., a hinged door, a latched door, a removable door, a lid) configured to cover the opening. The case system may include one or more first rail components coupled with (e.g., fastened to, secured to) a wall of the case, and each first rail component may be associated with a respective first engagement feature (e.g., a pin) and one or more first surfaces aligned with (e.g., parallel to) a respective first sliding axis (e.g., a direction of sliding relative to the case) along a direction through the opening. The case system also may include a plate component, configured for mounting a pay load (e.g., including mounting holes fora payload), and one or more second rail components coupled with (e.g., fastened to, integral with) the plate component. Each second rail component may be associated with a respective second engagement feature (e.g., a bushing, configured for engagement with a pin of a first rail component) and one or more second surfaces aligned with a respective second sliding axis (e.g., a direction of sliding for the plate assembly), and the one or more second surfaces. The second surface(s) may be configured for sliding contact with the first surface(s) of a respective first rail component.

[0005] Each rail component pair of a first rail component and a second rail component (e.g., in accordance with a modular rail system) may be configured to provide various degrees of freedom and constraints that support accessibility and securing of a payload. For example, each rail component pair may be configured to provide a degree of freedom for the second rail component relative to the first rail component along one or more first directions radial to the respective first sliding axis (e.g., that supports engaging and disengaging the rail components, including tilting of a payload into and out of the case, to provide guidance during payload insertion and removal) and a constraint for the second rail component relative to the first rail component along one or more second directions radial to the respective first sliding axis (e.g., to provide load-bearing support and locating guidance of the payload, such as while sliding) in a first range of sliding of the second rail component relative to the first rail component. Each rail component pair may also be configured to provide a radial constraint for the second rail component relative to the first rail component along the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions (e.g., to secure the payload relative to the case, for payload retention) in a second range of sliding of the second rail component relative to the first rail component and based on engagement of first and second engagement features (e.g., a pin of the first rail component being inserted into a bushing of the second rail component). Each rail component pair may also be configured to provide an axial constraint for the second rail component relative to the first rail component along the respective first sliding axis based on a fastener that clamps the second rail component with the first rail component along the respective first sliding axis (e.g., a threaded fastener inserted through a hole of the second rail component and threaded into a threaded hole of the firs rail component).

[0006] The described techniques for modular rail systems may provide increased access and decreased physical constraints for payloads implemented in a case system.For example, a payload may be mounted to a plate component and tilted and slid into an opening of a case for relatively quick insertion, and secured to the case with relatively few fasteners between rail components. The fasteners may be removed to provide relatively easy access to the payload, such that the plate component may be slid (e.g., pulled, using a handle of the plate component) and tilted back through the opening of the case to support payload removal. Diagnostics or maintenance may be performed on the payload, or one or more functions of the payload may be performed outside of the case. The improved accessibility of the payload may decrease access time or complexity and improve a user experience. The dimensions of the plate component, the case, or the rail components may be flexible to support various payload designs. For example, the dimensions of the modular rail system may be configured in accordance with a volume, weight, center of gravity, or other considerations of a payload. The payload may be designed or manufactured to improve its own efficiencies or usability rather than around external physical constraints imposed by a case system.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 shows an example of a case assembly that supports case systems with rail components for securing payloads in accordance with examples as disclosed herein.

[0008] FIG. 2 shows an example of a plate assembly that supports case systems with rail components for securing payloads in accordance with examples as disclosed herein.

[0009] FIG. 3 shows an example of a rail component that supports case systems with rail components for securing payloads in accordance with examples as disclosed herein.

[0010] FIG. 4 shows an example of a case assembly that supports case systems with rail components for securing payloads in accordance with examples as disclosed herein.

[0011] FIG. 5 shows an example of a rail component that supports case systems with rail components for securing payloads in accordance with examples as disclosed herein.

[0012] FIG. 6 shows an example of a plate assembly that supports case systems with rail components for securing payloads in accordance with examples as disclosed herein.

[0013] FIG. 7 shows an example of a case system that supports case systems with rail components for securing payloads in accordance with examples as disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Standardized rack mounting systems for equipment (e.g., electronic equipment, computing equipment) may impose various physical constraints (e.g., design constraints, access constraints). For example, a standardized rack mounting system may impose one or more spatial constraints on the equipment stored within a case. The physical constraints may limit a type of equipment or a physical size of equipment capable of being mounting with the standardized rack mounting system, or a size of a case that encloses such equipment. For example, equipment capable of being mounted with a standardized rack mounting system may be designed around the standardized rack mounting system, rather than for usability and efficient storage of the equipment. A standardized rack mounting system may decrease space utilization efficiency within a case including the standardized rack mounting system. Additionally, the enclosed equipment may be fastened directly to the standardized rack mounting system, which may limit access to the equipment and increase difficulty installing the equipment to or removing the equipment from the standardized rack mounting system or case.

[0015] In accordance with examples as disclosed herein, a modular rail system may enable payload equipment to be designed with reduced physical constraints and improved usability. For example, such a modular rail system may include one or more first rail components configured for mounting to a case and one or more second rail components coupled with a plate to which payload equipment can be mounted. The first rail component(s) and second rail component(s) may be configured such that a second rail component may tilt relative to and slide along a respective first rail component along a sliding axis, providing increased accessibility for the payload equipment. For example, the payload equipment may be installed or removed from the plate attached to the one or more second rail components, and the plate may slide, in accordance with a first range of sliding along the sliding axis, into the case. A distance between multiple rail components may be adjusted to provide increased spatial flexibility or stability for the payload equipment. Further, rail components mounted to a case may also be mounted with mounting plates and wear strips external to the case, which may improve rigidity of the case, facilitate sliding of the case itself, or both. The plate may include mounting holes (e.g., threaded holes) specific to the payload equipment, increasing spatial flexibility of the payload equipment. The modular rail system may decreasephysical design constraints on the payload equipment and increase accessibility for installing or uninstalling the payload equipment (e.g., relative to a case).

[0016] A fastener of an axial constraint between a first rail component and a second rail component may be unfastened to provide access to the payload. The plate with the second rail component(s) and the payload may slide out of and be removed from the case. Diagnostics or maintenance may be performed on the pay load, or one or more functions of the payload may be performed outside of the case. The increased payload access may decrease an access time of the payload and improve a user experience related to accessing the payload. The dimensions of the plate, the case, or the rail components may be manufactured to support varying payload designs. For example, the dimensions of the modular rail system may be manufactures according to a physical design of the payload. The payload may be designed or manufactured to improve internal efficiencies or usability rather than around external physical constraints imposed by a case system.

[0017] Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to case assemblies, plate assemblies, rail components, and case systems that relate to case systems with rail components for securing payloads.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows an example of a case assembly 100 that supports case systems with rail components for securing payloads in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The case assembly 100 may include a case 105 having an opening 107 (e.g., an opening in an xy-plane) and a door 108 (e.g., a lid, a cover) configured to cover the opening 107. In some examples, a door 108 may be removable, such as the illustrated door 108 that implements latches 109. In some other examples, a door 108 may be hinged, or installed with snap features or other fastening that allows access through the opening 107 (e.g., along the z-direction) by moving the door 108. A door 108 may include a clear portion (e.g., a window) that provides a line of sight into the case 105, or may include an opaque cover. Such covering is omitted from the case 105 (e.g., from the door 108) for the sake of illustrative clarity. Components of a case 105 may be made of a polymer material (e.g., plastic), a composite material (e.g., carbon fiber, fiberglass), a metal material, or any combination thereof.

[0019] The case assembly 100 also includes rail components 110 (e.g., rail components 110-a and 110-b, guide rails). Although the illustrated case assembly 100includes two rail components, a case assembly 100 in accordance with the described techniques may include any quantity of one or more rail components 110. The rail components 110 may be coupled with (e.g., fastened to, secured to) a wall 106 (e.g., a plastic wall, a composite wall, a carbon fiber wall) of the case 105. For example, the rail components 110 may be fastened through the wall 106 of the case such that the rail components 110 are coupled with an interior of the case 105.

[0020] In some implementations, standardized rack mounting systems for equipment (e.g., electronic equipment, computing equipment) may impose various physical constraints (e.g., design constraints, access constraints) when implemented in a case 105. For example, a standardized rack mounting system may impose one or more spatial constraints on the equipment stored within a case. The physical constraints may limit a type of equipment or a physical size of equipment capable of being mounting with the standardized rack mounting system, or a size of a case 105 that encloses such equipment. For example, equipment capable of being mounted with a standardized rack mounting system may be designed around the standardized rack mounting system, rather than for usability and efficient storage of the equipment. A standardized rack mounting system may decrease efficient space utilization within a case 105 including the standardized rack mounting system. Additionally, the enclosed equipment may be fastened directly to the standardized rack mounting system, which may limit access to the equipment and increase difficulty installing the equipment to or removing the equipment from the standardized rack mounting system or case 105.

[0021] According to techniques described herein, the case assembly 100 may support aspects of a modular rail system that enables payload equipment to be designed and implemented with reduced constraints. For example, the modular rail system may include the one or more rail components 110 and a plate assembly including one or more second rail components coupled with (e.g., mounted to, integral with) a plate to which payload equipment may be mounted (e.g., as described with reference to FIG. 2). The rail component(s) 110 may provide guidance and retention for a payload (e.g., pay load equipment) being inserted inside the case 105. The pay load may include electronics equipment, sensing equipment, computing equipment, and other types of pay loads.

[0022] The plate assembly may be configured for sliding contact with the case assembly 100 (e.g., with the rail component(s) 110) along a sliding axis (e.g., along thez-direction). For example, a payload mounted with the plate assembly may slide in and out of the case assembly 100 (e.g., through the opening 107, with the door 108 being opened or removed) along the z-direction, which may be parallel to respective sliding axes 111 (e.g., sliding axes 111-a and 111-b) of the rail components 110. In some examples, for at least a portion of such sliding, the plate assembly may slide out of the case assembly 100 at an angle relative to an xz-plane (e.g., in accordance with a tilt rotation about the x-direction, at an angle relative to the sliding axes 111). As the plate assembly slides into case assembly, the plate assembly may slide into the case along the z-direction once the plate assembly is tilted parallel to the case assembly (e.g., with the plate being aligned parallel with the xz-plane, with the plate being parallel to the sliding axes 111). Thus, such a plate assembly may slide out of the case assembly 100 when the door 108 is open (e.g., detached), and the plate assembly may not slide out of the case assembly 100 when the door 108 is closed (e.g., attached).

[0023] Each rail component 110 may be associated with one or more surfaces parallel to the respective sliding axis 111 (e.g., along the z-direction, a direction through the opening 107). Such surfaces may include one or more polymer surfaces 115 (e.g., of a polymer component fastened with the rail component 110), one or more metal surfaces 120 (e.g., of a metallic component of the rail component 110). In the illustrated example of FIG. 1 , for instance, each rail component 110 may include a polymer surface 115 in an xz-plane, and opposed metal surfaces 120 (e.g., parallel surfaces, perpendicular to the polymer surface 1 15) in respective yz-planes.

[0024] Each rail component 110 may be associated with a respective engagement feature 125. In various implementations, an engagement feature 125 may be a bushing or a pin (e.g., alignment pin, configured to engage with a pin). Each rail component 110 may also include holes 130, or other features, configured to support clamping respective second rail component (not shown) with the rail component. For example, holes 130 may be threaded holes, and a fastener may be inserted through a corresponding hole of a second rail component for fastening the second rail component to the respective rail component 110 (e.g., providing a constraint along the z-direction, providing a constraint that is coaxial with a sliding axis 111).

[0025] A case system with rail components, as described herein, may provide increased access to a payload. For example, a payload may be mounted to a plate assembly outside of a case 105. Mounting the payload to the plate assembly outside ofthe case may, for example, provide easier access to the mounting holes of the plate assembly. After the plate assembly and payload is slid into the case 105, the payload may be removed from the case 105 without unmounting the pay load from the plate assembly. For example, the plate assembly may be removed from the case 105 with the payload.

[0026] Additionally, or alternatively, a case system with rail components may decrease physical constraints in payload design. For example, rail components 110 may be placed any distance apart or at any intervals (e.g., without being constrained by a configuration of a standardized rack mounting system). The decreased physical constraints allow the case system and rail components to be adjusted depending on the dimension of a pay load. For example, rail components 110 may be manufactured in accordance with a desired length, spacing, or both to support a payload of a given dimension or length.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows an example of a plate assembly 200 that supports case systems with rail components for securing payloads in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The plate assembly 200 may include a plate 205 (e.g., a plate component) configured for mounting the payload. The plate assembly 200 also includes rail components 210 (e.g., rail components 210-a and 210-b, guide bars) coupled with the plate 205. Although the illustrated plate assembly 200 includes two rail components, a plate assembly 200 in accordance with the described techniques may include any quantity of one or more rail components 210.

[0028] A plate assembly 200 may be configured for sliding contact with a case assembly 100 (e.g., with the rail component(s) 110) along a sliding axis (e.g., along the z-direction. For example, each rail component 210 may be associated with one or more surfaces parallel to a respective sliding axis 211 (e.g., sliding axes 211-a and 211-b), which may be configured for sliding contact with the one or more surfaces of a respective rail component 110. Such surfaces of a rail component 210 may include one or more polymer surfaces 215 (e.g., of a polymer component fastened with the rail component 210), one or more metal surfaces 220 (e.g., of a metallic component of the rail component 210). In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, for instance, each rail component 210 may include a metal surface 220 in an xz-plane, and opposed surfaces e.g., parallel surfaces, perpendicular to the polymer surface 115) in respective yz-planes. Thus, in some examples, surfaces of a rail component 210 may be configured for metal-to-polymer contact (e.g., sliding) with corresponding surfaces of a rail component 110. Such interfacing may support a relatively low friction between the plate assembly 200 and the case assembly 100, which may facilitate access to a payload.

[0029] Each rail component 210 may also be associated with a respective engagement feature 225. In various implementations, an engagement feature 225 may be a bushing or a pin, and each may be configured for engagement with a respective engagement feature 125. Each rail component 210 may also include holes 230, or other features, configured to support clamping the plate assembly 200 (e.g., rail components 210) with a case assembly 100 (e.g., respective rail components 110, not shown). For example, holes 230 may be clearance holes, through which a fastener can be inserted and threaded into a corresponding hole 130. (e.g., providing a constraint along the z- direction, providing a constraint that is coaxial with a sliding axis 211).

[0030] A case assembly 100 and a plate assembly 200 may be configured in accordance with one or more rail component pairs, each including a respective rail component 110 and a respective rail component 210. For example, each rail component 110 may support a sliding contact with a respective rail component 210. Each rail component pair including a rail component 110 and a rail component 210 may provide degrees of freedom or constraints during sliding contact (e.g., in different ranges of sliding, along the z-direction) between the rail component 110 and the rail component 210.

[0031] In some examples, in a first range of sliding (e.g., along the z-direction, before engagement of an engagement feature 125 with an engagement feature 225), a rail component 110 and a rail component 210 (e.g., each rail pair, surfaces of respective rail components) may provide a degree of freedom for the rail component 210 relative to the rail component 110 along one or more directions radial to a sliding axis 111. For example, in the illustrated configurations, the plate assembly 200 (e.g., each rail component 210) may be moved (e.g., translated) along the positive y-direction, or rotated (e.g., tilted) in angles about the x-direction, or both as the plate assembly 200 slides along (e.g., into, out of) the case assembly 100. A tilting degree of freedom may be associated with an angle between the respective first sliding axis 111 of the rail component 110 and the respective second sliding axis 211 of the rail component 210. For example, the plate assembly 200 may be slid into or out of the case assembly 100 at an angle (e.g., about the x-direction).

[0032] Although the illustrated configurations support a translational degree of freedom along the positive y-direction, in some other examples, configurations of rail components 110 and rail components 210 may support other degrees of freedom, such as directions at an angle from the y-direction (e.g., about the z-direction, with a nonzero component along the x-direction), such as when surfaces 120 and surfaces 215 are non-parallel (e.g., separated by an angle about the z-direction), or when surfaces 120 and a surface 115 are non-perpendicular (e.g., separated by more than 90 degrees), or when surfaces 215 and a surface 220 are non-perpendicular (e.g., separated by more than 90 degrees), or when a surface of a rail component 110 and a corresponding surface of a rail component 210 are curved (e.g., of less than a 180 degree included angle, in accordance with an arc that is less than a semicircle), among other examples.

[0033] In some examples, in the first range of sliding, the rail component 110 and the rail component 210 may provide a constraint for the rail component 210 relative to the rail component 110 along one or more directions radial to the sliding axis 111. For example, in the illustrated configurations, the plate assembly 200 (e.g., each rail component 210) may be constrained (e.g., prevented from being moved) along the negative y-direction, along the positive or negative x-direction, or combinations thereof (e.g., vector combinations having a component along the negative y-direction, translations along the positive or negative x-direction) as the plate assembly 200 slides along the case assembly 100. Further, in the illustrated configurations, the plate assembly 200 (e.g., each rail component 210) may be constrained from rotations about the y-direction, stabilizing relative translations along the z-direction. For example, guard rails of the rail component 110 containing the metal surfaces 120 may stabilize the plate assembly 200 while the plate assembly 200 slides into or out of a case assembly 100. The guard rails may limit locations along the x-direction for sliding contact between the plate assembly 200 and the case assembly 100. Additionally, or alternatively, the guard rails may ensure an orientation or a rotation of the plate assembly 200 along the y-direction is maintained during sliding contact.

[0034] In some examples, in a second range of sliding (e.g., along the z-direction, during engagement of an engagement feature 125 with an engagement feature 225), a rail component 110 and a rail component 210 (e.g., each rail pair) may provide a radial constraint along all directions radial to a sliding axis 111 (e.g., preventing relative translations along the x-direction, along the y-direction, and any combination thereof).The radial constraint may be based on engagement of the engagement feature 125 with the engagement feature 225. For example, a pin of the engagement feature 1 5 may be inserted into a bushing (e.g., an alignment bushing, a sleeve) of the engagement feature 225. Contact between the engagement feature 125 and the engagement feature 225 may limit movement of the plate assembly 200 along the y-direction and the x-direction. The contact between the engagement feature 125 and the engagement feature 225 may also limit rotation of the plate assembly 200 about the z-direction. While the case 105 is in transport or moving, the engagement features 125 and 225 may stabilize the plate assembly 200. For example, the engagement features may reduce erratic movements of the plate assembly 200 while a pin is inserted into a bushing. The engagement features may decrease a probability of the payload being damaged during transport.

[0035] In some examples, a rail component 110 and a rail component 210 (e.g., each rail pair) may provide an axial constraint along a direction of a sliding axis 11 1 (e.g., preventing relative translations along the z-direction). The axial constraint may be based on a fastener that clamps the rail component 210 with the rail component 110 along the sliding axis 111 (e.g., and sliding axis 211). For example, a threaded fastener (e.g., a screw, a bolt) may be inserted through the hole(s) 230 and threaded to the hole(s) 130 (e.g., threaded holes). The fasteners may be tightened such that the rail component 210 is unable to move along the z-direction. The fasteners may prevent the plate assembly 200 from sliding during transport of the case 105, and maintain engagement of engagement features 125 and 225. To remove the payload from the case 105, the fasteners may be unthreaded, and the plate assembly 200 may then be slid out of the case 105 through the opening 107.

[0036] The described techniques for rail components 110 and rail components 210 may be implemented with various types of interfacing surfaces. In some examples (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2), each rail component pair may include a rail component 110 associated with three surfaces facing inward toward the respective sliding axis 1 1 1 of the rail component 110 (e.g., a rail component 110 in accordance with a U-shaped cross-section that extends along the z-direction), and a rail component 210 associated with three surfaces facing outward from the respective sliding axis 211 of the rail component 210 (e.g., fitting within the U-shaped cross-section of a rail component 110 along the z-direction). For example, two of the three surfaces of a rail component 1 10, a rail component 210, or both may be parallel (e.g., in respective yz-planes). In someexamples, the rail component 110 may be associated with two or more surfaces facing outward from the respective first sliding axis 11 1 (e.g., in accordance with a V-shaped, trapezoidal, or polygonal cross-section that extends along the z-direction). The rail component 210 may be associated with two or more surfaces facing inward toward the respective second sliding axis 211. In some examples, the rail component pairs may support curved (e.g., U-shaped) surfaces for sliding contact. For example, a rail component 110 may be associated with a convex curved surface facing outward from the respective sliding axis 111 and a rail component may be associated with a concave surface facing inward toward the respective second sliding axis 211, or vice versa.

[0037] In these and other techniques, the rail component pairs may support alternating metal and polymer surfaces for sliding contact. For example, one or more surfaces of a rail component 110 may include one or more metal surfaces 120 and a first polymer surface 115, and one or more surfaces of the rail component 110 may include one or more polymer surfaces 215 configured for sliding contact with the one or more metal surfaces 120 and a metal surface 220 configured for sliding contact with the polymer surface 115.

[0038] FIG. 3 shows an example of a rail component 110 that supports case systems with rail components for securing payloads in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of an example of components that may be included in the rail component 110. In the example of FIG. 3, the polymer surface 115 (e.g., of a polymer component, a polymer rail) may be fixed to a metal component of the rail component 110 using fasteners 305, and metal surfaces 120 may be integral to a metal structure of the rail component 110. The engagement feature 125 may include a threaded shoulder 126 that supports fastening the engagement feature 125 with the rail component 110, from which a smooth pin feature 127 may extend along the z-direction.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows an example of a case assembly 100 that supports case systems with rail components for securing payloads in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of an example of components that may be included in the case assembly 100. In the example of FIG. 4, rail components 110 may be fastened to a wall 106 of the case 105 and interior to the case 105 using fasteners 405-a (e.g., threaded fasteners, threading into threaded holes in a metal component of rail components 110). The fasteners 405-a may extend through amounting plate 410 (e.g., a metal mounting plate) and the case 105. The mounting plate 410 may include multiple holes through which fasteners 405-a extend to clamp with at least one of the rail components 110 across the wall 106 of the case 105. For example, the fasteners 405-a may be inserted through a hole of a mounting plate 410 and a hole of the case 105. The fastener 405-a may be threaded or otherwise attached to a rail component 1 10. The case 105 (e.g., a carbon fiber case) may thus be between (e.g., sandwiched between) the rail components 110 (e.g., guide rails) and the mounting plate 410. The mounting plate 410 may spread out mounting forces from the fasteners 405-a, and may increase rigidity of the case 105 (e.g., of the wall 106).

[0040] In some examples, the mounting plates 410 may provide a structure to which one or more wear strips 415 may be mounted. For example, one or more wear strip components may be coupled with the wall 106 of the case 105 and exterior to the case. Each wear strip component may be coupled with at least one of the rail components 110 through the wall 106 of the case 105. Each wear strip component may include a wear strip 415 (e.g., a polymer wear strip) and a mounting plate 410 (e.g., a metal mounting plate) for coupling between the wall 106 of the case 105 and the wear strip 415. Each wear strip may be fastened to a respective mounting plate 410 via fasteners 405-b. For example, the fasteners 405-b may be place through a mounting hole of the wear strip 415 and threaded or otherwise attached to a respective mounting plate 410. The wear strip 415 may provide protection for the case 105 when dragging the case 105 (e.g., dragging the case 105 up steps or curbs).

[0041] FIG. 5 shows an example of a rail component 210 that supports case systems with rail components for securing payloads in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of an example of components that may be included in the rail component 210. In the example of FIG. 5, the polymer surfaces 215 (e.g., of respective polymer components) may be fixed to a metal component of the rail component 210 using fasteners 505. The engagement feature 225 may be a metal bushing that is pressed into an end of the metal component of the rail component 210, or threaded into the end of the rail component 210, or may be a precision hold that is formed (e.g., drilled, reamed) integral to a metal component of the rail component 210.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows an example of a plate assembly 200 that supports case systems with rail components for securing payloads in accordance with examples as disclosedherein. For example, FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of an example of components that may be included in the plate assembly 200. The plate 205 may include a handle 610, which may be operable to move the plate assembly 200 in directions at least partially along the z-direction (e.g., a direction through an opening 107 of a case 105).

[0043] In some cases (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6), each of the rail components 210 may be fastened with the plate 205 using fasteners 605 (e.g., threaded fasteners). In some other examples, each of the rail components 210 may include a metal portion that is formed integrally with a metal portion of the plate 205. For example, the plate 205 and the rail components 210 may be cast from or machined from a same piece of metal.

[0044] The plate 205 may be manufactured to support a payload. For example, the plate 205 may include one or more mounting holes (e.g., threaded holes) for the payload. Additionally, or alternatively, a size of the plate 205 may be based on a size of a payload. The plate 205 may be configured to reduce physical constraints on the payload. For example, if a payload utilizes a length along the z-direction and a width along the x-direction, the plate 205 may be manufactured or cast to support the dimensions of the payload. Additionally, or alternatively, a distance between the one or more rail components 210 may be set based on the dimensions of the payload.

[0045] FIG. 7 shows an example of a case system 700 that supports case systems with rail components for securing payloads in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The case system 700 may illustrate a rail component 110 in sliding contact with a rail component 210. For the sake of visibility in FIG. 7, a plate 205 is not included, but may be coupled with rail components 210. A respective engagement feature 125 of the rail components 110 may be a pin (e.g., a pin configured for engagement into an opening of a bushing). The pin may be aligned parallel with the respective sliding axis 111. A respective engagement feature 225 of the rail components 210 may be a bushing. The bushing may be aligned parallel with the respective second sliding axis 211. In some other examples, the relative positioning of the pin and bushing may be reversed, such that a rail component 110 includes a bushing and a rail component 210 includes a pin.

[0046] The plate assembly 200 may slide along the z-direction into or out of the case 105 (e.g., via opening 107). For example, in a first range of sliding (e.g., along the z-direction, before engagement of the engagement features 125 and 225), a plateassembly 200 associated with rail components 210 may translate along the y-direction and rotate about the x-direction in a first range of sliding, as described with reference to FIG. 2. The first range of sliding may include a first range of relative locations along the z-direction (e.g., the respective first sliding axes 111) for which the pin is not engaged in the opening (e.g., bushing). The plate assembly 200 may be constrained from moving along the y-direction and the x-direction in a second range of sliding, as described with reference to FIG. 2. The second range of sliding may include a second range of relative locations along the z-direction (e.g., the respective first sliding axes 111) for which the pin is engaged in the opening.

[0047] The engagement features 125 may be located at an end of the rail component 110, which may be opposite the opening 107. Thus, the engagement features 125 and 225 may be configured for engagement without separate user interaction (e.g., without requiring a threaded fastening or other user operation), so that the described techniques may not involve a second opening in the case 105, opposite the opening 107. A second end of the rail components 110 (e.g., an end accessible through the opening 107) may include holes 130 (e.g., threaded holes) into which fasteners may be engaged (e.g., threaded) to clamp rail components 210 with the rail components (e.g., fasteners through holes 230 in the rail components 210).

[0048] Accordingly, techniques described herein may support a case system (e.g., case system 700) configured to mount a payload on a plate assembly 200. The plate assembly 200 may slide into an opening 107 of a case 105 of a case assembly 100. For example, one or more first surfaces of one or more rail components 110 of the case assembly 100 may be configured for sliding contact with one or more second surfaces of one or more rail components 210 of a plate assembly 200. The plate assembly 200 may slide in or out of the case assembly 100 providing increased access to the pay load. In some examples, rail components alO may be implemented in the interior or a case 105 and wear strip components may be implemented exterior to the case 105, and clamping rail components 110 and wear strip components across a wall 106 may simultaneously strengthen the case 105 (e.g., the wall 106) and provide protection to the case 105, while maintaining component modularity and flexibility.

[0049] A rail component pair, including a rail component 110 and a rail component 210, may be configured with various degrees of freedom and constraints. In some examples, the rail component 210 may move along a degree of freedom including oneor more directions radial to a sliding axis (e.g., sliding axes 111). The rail component 210 may be tilted or rotated about the x-direction providing additional freedom and maneuverability when inserting the plate assembly 200 into the case assembly 100. In some examples, an engagement feature 125 and an engagement feature 225 may impose a radial constraint for the rail component 210. The radial constraint may align the plate assembly 200 with the case assembly 100 and stabilize the plate assembly 200 while the case system is in transport. In some examples, one or more fasteners may clamp the rail component 110 with the rail component 210 (e.g., via the holes 130 and the holes 230) and impose an axial constraint on the rail component 210. Such fasteners may prevent movement of the plate assembly 200 during transport of the case system, decreasing erratic movements of the payload during transport of the case system.

[0050] In some examples, such techniques may be implemented in a case system for which a case and one or more modular rail systems (e.g., rail component pairs, pate components, wear strip components, where applicable) are provided together as an assembled system. In some other examples, such techniques may be implemented as a modular rail system (e.g., a rail kit) that is configured to be assembled with a case 105. In such implementations, a user may install the rail system in various cases 105 for various payloads without limitation of a particular case 105 in a preconfigured case system. The rail system may include one or more rail components 110, one or more rail components 210, and a plate 205, as described herein.

[0051] The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings describes examples and does not represent the only examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “example,” when used in this description, mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0052] As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of or “one or more of’) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase“based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.”

[0053] In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label, or other subsequent reference label.

[0054] The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A case system (700), comprising: a case (105) having an opening (107) and a door (108) configured to cover the opening; one or more first rail components (110) coupled with a wall (106) of the case, wherein each first rail component is associated with a respective first engagement feature (125) and one or more first surfaces (115, 120) parallel to a respective first sliding axis (111) along a direction through the opening; a plate component (205) configured for mounting a payload; and one or more second rail components (210) coupled with the plate component, wherein each second rail component is associated with a respective second engagement feature (225) and one or more second surfaces (215, 220) parallel to a respective second sliding axis (211), the one or more second surfaces configured for sliding contact with the one or more first surfaces of a respective first rail component, wherein each rail component pair of a first rail component and a second rail component is configured to provide: a degree of freedom for the second rail component relative to the first rail component along one or more first directions radial to the respective first sliding axis and a constraint for the second rail component relative to the first rail component along one or more second directions radial to the respective first sliding axis in a first range of sliding of the second rail component relative to the first rail component, a radial constraint for the second rail component relative to the first rail component along the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions in a second range of sliding of the second rail component relative to the first rail component and based at least in part on engagement of the respective first engagement feature with the respective second engagement feature, and an axial constraint for the second rail component relative to the first rail component along the respective first sliding axis based at least in part on a fastener that clamps the second rail component with the first rail component along the respective first sliding axis.

2. The case system of claim 1 , wherein each rail component pair is further configured to provide a tilting degree of freedom for the second rail component relative to the first rail component in the first range of sliding, the tilting degree of freedom associated with an angle between the respective first sliding axis and the respective second sliding axis.

3. The case system of any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising: one or more wear strip components coupled with the wall of the case and exterior to the case, wherein each wear strip component is coupled with at least one of the one or more first rail components through the wall of the case.

4. The case system of claim 3, wherein, each wear strip component comprises: a polymer wear strip (415); and a metal mounting plate (410) for coupling between the wall of the case and the polymer wear strip.

5. The case system of claim 4, wherein the metal mounting plate comprises a plurality of holes through which fasteners (405) extend to clamp with the at least one of the one or more first rail components across the wall of the case.

6. The case system of any one of claims 1 through 5, wherein, for each rail component pair: the first rail component is associated with three first surfaces facing inward toward the respective first sliding axis; and the second rail component is associated with three second surfaces facing outward from the respective second sliding axis.

7. The case system of claim 6, wherein: two of the three first surfaces of the first rail component are parallel; and two of the three second surfaces of the second rail component are parallel.

8. The case system of any one of claims 1 through 5, wherein, for each rail component pair: the first rail component is associated with two or more first surfaces facing outward from the respective first sliding axis; and the second rail component is associated with two or more second surfaces facing inward toward the respective second sliding axis.

9. The case system of any one of claims 1 through 5, wherein, for each rail component pair: the first rail component is associated with a convex curved surface facing outward from the respective first sliding axis; and the second rail component is associated with a concave surface facing inward toward the respective second sliding axis.

10. The case system of any one of claims 1 through 9, wherein, for each rail component pair: the one or more first surfaces comprise one or more first metal surfaces (120) and a first polymer surface (115); and the one or more second surfaces comprise one or more second polymer surfaces (215) configured for sliding contact with the one or more first metal surfaces and a second metal surface (220) configured for sliding contact with the first polymer surface.

11. The case system of any one of claims 1 through 10, wherein, for each rail component pair: the respective first engagement feature is one of a bushing or a pin configured for engagement into an opening of the bushing, the one of the bushing or the pin aligned parallel with the respective first sliding axis; and the respective second engagement feature is the other of the bushing or the pin configured for engagement into the opening of the bushing, the other of the bushing or the pin aligned parallel with the respective second sliding axis.

12. The case system of claim 11 , wherein, for each rail component pair: the first range of sliding comprises a first range of relative locations along the respective first sliding axis for which the pin is not engaged in the opening; and the second range of sliding comprises a second range of relative locations along the respective first sliding axis for which the pin is engaged in the opening.

13. The case system of any one of claims 1 through 12, wherein, for each rail component pair: the respective first engagement feature is located at a first end of the first rail component; and a second end of the first rail component includes a threaded hole for which the fastener can be engaged to clamp the second rail component with the first rail component through a hole in the second rail component.

14. The case system of any one of claims 1 through 13, wherein the plate component comprises a plurality of threaded holes for mounting the payload to the plate component.

15. The case system of any one of claims 1 through 14, wherein the plate component comprises a handle (610) operable to move the plate component and the one or more second rail components in directions at least partially along the direction through the opening.

16. The case system of any one of claims 1 through 15, wherein each of the one or more second rail components is fastened with the plate component by threaded fasteners (605).

17. The case system of any one of claims 1 through 16, wherein each of the one or more second rail components comprises a metal portion that is formed integrally with a metal portion of the plate component.

18. A rail system, comprising: one or more first rail components (110), wherein each first rail component is associated with a respective first engagement feature (125) and one or more first surfaces (115, 120) parallel to a respective first sliding axis (111); a plate component (205) configured for mounting a payload; and one or more second rail components (210) coupled with the plate component, wherein each second rail component is associated with a respective second engagement feature (225) and one or more second surfaces (215, 220) parallel to a respective second sliding axis (211), the one or more second surfaces configured for sliding contact with the one or more first surfaces of a respective first rail component, wherein each rail component pair of a first rail component and a second rail component is configured to provide: a degree of freedom for the second rail component relative to the first rail component along one or more first directions radial to the respective first sliding axis and a constraint for the second rail component relative to the first rail component along one or more second directions radial to the respective first sliding axis in a first range of sliding of the second rail component relative to the first rail component, a radial constraint for the second rail component relative to the first rail component along the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions in a second range of sliding of the second rail component relative to the first rail component and based at least in part on engagement of the respective first engagement feature with the respective second engagement feature, and an axial constraint for the second rail component relative to the first rail component along the respective first sliding axis based at least in part on a fastener that clamps the second rail component with the first rail component along the respective first sliding axis.

19. The rail system of claim 18, wherein each rail component pair is further configured to provide a tilting degree of freedom for the second rail component relative to the first rail component in the first range of sliding, the tilting degree of freedom associated with an angle between the respective first sliding axis and the respective second sliding axis.

20. The rail system of any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein, for each rail component pair: the first rail component is associated with three first surfaces facing inward toward the respective first sliding axis; and the second rail component is associated with three second surfaces facing outward from the respective second sliding axis.

21. The rail system of claim 20, wherein: two of the three first surfaces of the first rail component are parallel; and two of the three second surfaces of the second rail component are parallel.

22. The rail system of any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein, for each rail component pair: the first rail component is associated with two or more first surfaces facing outward from the respective first sliding axis; and the second rail component is associated with two or more second surfaces facing inward toward the respective second sliding axis.

23. The rail system of any one of claims 18 through 22, wherein, for each rail component pair: the one or more first surfaces comprise one or more first metal surfaces (120) and a first polymer surface (115); and the one or more second surfaces comprise one or more second polymer surfaces (215) configured for sliding contact with the one or more first metal surfaces and a second metal surface (220) configured for sliding contact with the first polymer surface.

24. The rail system of any one of claims 18 through 23, wherein, for each rail component pair: the respective first engagement feature is one of a bushing or a pin configured for engagement into an opening of the bushing, the one of the bushing or the pin aligned parallel with the respective first sliding axis; andthe respective second engagement feature is the other of the bushing or the pin configured for engagement into the opening of the bushing, the other of the bushing or the pin aligned parallel with the respective second sliding axis.

25. The rail system of any one of claims 18 through 24, wherein, for each rail component pair: the respective first engagement feature is located at a first end of the first rail component; and a second end of the first rail component includes a threaded hole for which the fastener can be engaged to clamp the second rail component with the first rail component through a hole in the second rail component.

26. The rail system of any one of claims 18 through 25, wherein the plate component comprises a plurality of threaded holes for mounting the payload to the plate component.

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