Accessory Mounting Track With Discrete Locking Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessory mounting tracks face challenges with quick and easy attachment and removal of devices, often resulting in overtightening or loosening issues due to reliance on static friction, which can lead to device failure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of physical interlocks on accessory devices that mate with slots or interlocking features on the mounting track, allowing for secure attachment in various orientations and reducing the reliance on frictional forces for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static friction is used to secure the device to the track, then the device can be easily attached and removed, but the device may be overtightened or loosened to a point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The track is segmented into discrete locking positions with physical interlocks rather than a continuous friction-based interface. The accessory device engages with specific discrete positions along the track, dividing the attachment mechanism into distinct segments that prevent continuous movement and overtightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical interlock mechanism automatically prevents overtightening by providing a hard stop at each locking position. The system self-regulates the attachment force, eliminating the need for user judgment about appropriate tightening force and preventing damage from excessive force.
2Reliability
If frictional forces are increased to prevent device movement, then the device becomes more secure, but the device becomes harder to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous friction-based connection is replaced with discrete segmented locking positions. The accessory device can be easily engaged and disengaged at each segment, providing secure holding when locked while maintaining ease of removal by simply releasing the lock at the desired position.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static friction-based connection to a dynamic locking system. The accessory device can be quickly locked into position for secure holding, then easily unlocked and moved to a different position or removed entirely, providing both security and flexibility.
3Reliability
If the device is tightly compressed against the track for stability, then the device is more secure, but varying user grip strength makes consistent securing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The physical interlock mechanism self-regulates the attachment force at each locking position, providing consistent securing regardless of user strength. The hard stop at each discrete position ensures the same level of security is achieved every time, eliminating variability caused by different user grip strengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism changes from a continuous force application (friction) to discrete positional locking. This parameter change from force magnitude to position selection ensures consistent securing outcomes independent of user physical characteristics.
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, easy attachment and removal of devices with minimal risk of overtightening or loosening, providing reliable positioning and stability across different environments and user strengths.
Implementation Method 1
the interlocks mate with the interlocking features, resulting in physical interference, to prevent movement of the accessory device along the accessory mounting track
Implementation Method 2
the accessory device is prevented from moving along the accessory mounting track when sufficient frictional forces are applied
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory device is provided with one or more physical interlocks for mating with a slot provided along an accessory mounting track, or alternatively, with discrete physical mating interlocking features provided along an accessory mounting track, such as along opposing sides of the slot. In this way, the accessory device can be mounted along the slot in a lengthwise direction of the accessory mounting track or perpendicularly or transversely to the lengthwise direction of the accessory mounting track. When mounting in a lengthwise direction of the accessory mounting track, the accessory device is prevented from moving along the accessory mounting track when sufficient frictional forces are applied. When mounting perpendicularly or transversely to the lengthwise direction of the accessory mounting track, the interlocks mate with the interlocking features to prevent movement of the accessory device along the accessory mounting track.