Asymmetric Double Undercut Loading Rail and Sliding Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading rail and sliding block systems for vehicles fail to provide adequate flexibility and safety for securing various loads and vehicle installations, particularly during crashes, due to issues with jamming and insufficient retaining capability.
Innovation Solution
A loading rail with a double undercut design and a sliding block that includes a central part with a coupling structure and side parts with undercuts, ensuring secure engagement within the rail to prevent displacement and rotation, even under extreme conditions, while allowing for flexible positioning and high-force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional loading rails with simple grooves are used, then the device complexity is low, but the retaining capability and safety are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The loading rail employs an asymmetric double undercut groove design where the groove cross-section features two asymmetric undercuts (first and second undercuts) that engage with corresponding protrusions on the sliding block. This asymmetric geometry prevents both upward and downward displacement of the sliding block, providing bidirectional retaining capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove design incorporates curved undercut surfaces that engage with the sliding block protrusions. The curved geometry of the undercuts allows for controlled engagement and disengagement while maintaining secure retaining capability, enabling the sliding block to be firmly held during normal operation yet released when intentionally actuated.
2Ease of operation
If conventional sliding blocks without undercuts are used, then the ease of manufacture is high, but jamming occurs during displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding block features an asymmetric cross-sectional design with a first protrusion and a second protrusion that correspond to the asymmetric undercuts in the loading rail groove. This asymmetric geometry ensures smooth engagement with the groove during displacement while preventing jamming, as the protrusions follow the curved paths of the undercuts without binding.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fastening systems are used, then the weight is lower, but the adaptability to different loads and situations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The loading rail system employs a dynamic fastening mechanism where sliding blocks can be freely displaced along the longitudinal groove to various positions and then locked in place by the double undercut engagement. This allows the system to adapt to different load positions, sizes, and types dynamically, providing versatility for various fastening situations while maintaining a lightweight construction compared to rigid multi-component systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding block for a loading rail includes a central part defining a coupling structure along an upper face thereof. The sliding block further includes at least one side part defining an undercut having an inner face directed toward the central part and angled away from the central part in a direction along a central axis of the central part away from the upper face.