Channeled Track Connector With Frontal Sliding Base And Slider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for channeled tracks lack ease of installation, adaptability to various objects, and the ability to provide incremental resistance to sliding, while also being lightweight, rigid, and strong, and often require access through open ends for engagement.
Innovation Solution
A two-part connector system comprising a base and a slider with flanges, where the slider is slideable into and out of the base, featuring a threaded pin for locking and incremental resistance adjustment, allowing engagement from the front face without open-end access, and incorporating feet for secure channel engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional connector design is used, then the connector can be simple in structure, but it requires access through open ends for engagement and lacks ease of installation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate parts: a base portion that engages with the front face of the track, and a slider portion that slides into the base. This segmentation allows the connector to be installed from the front face without requiring access through open ends, while keeping each individual part relatively simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connector engagement approach is changed from longitudinal (through open ends) to frontal (through the front face). The base portion engages with the front face of the track, and the slider portion slides into the base from the front, enabling installation from a different dimension without increasing overall structural complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed connector design is used, then the connector structure is simple, but it lacks adaptability to various objects and incremental resistance adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a fixed design to a dynamic design where the slider portion can be adjusted along the base portion. The threaded pin mechanism allows for incremental adjustment of the slider position, enabling resistance adjustment and adaptability to different objects while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connector allows for parameter changes in the form of adjustable slider position along the base. By changing the position of the slider relative to the base, the resistance to sliding and the adaptability to different objects can be modified without changing the fundamental structure of the connector
3Reliability
If the slider is made lockable to the base, then the connector provides secure engagement and resistance to sliding, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded pin mechanism allows the user to self-lock the slider to the base by simply threading the pin through both components. This self-service locking mechanism provides secure engagement without requiring additional complex locking devices or mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the existing slider and base structure through the threaded pin. The pin serves both as a locking mechanism and as a means to draw the slider and base together, combining multiple functions into a single simple component
Data Source
AI summary
A channeled track connector having a base and a slider. The slider slides into an key opening in the base. The base includes a first foot for engaging the channeled track. The slider includes a second foot for engaging the channeled track. Each piece standing alone is not engagable to the channeled track. However, when slid together, the base and slider as a whole stands together as one-piece, remains fixed to the channeled track, and serves as a mount for a predefined object.