Dovetail Groove Bolt Head for Stronger Track Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing track bolt structures in steel frame construction and solar panel installation face challenges such as inconvenient fixation and insufficient supporting strength between the bolts and the track grooves, hindering efficient installation and project progress.

Innovation Solution

A bolt for dovetail grooves with a T-shaped body, featuring a dovetail-shaped head, inclined limiting surfaces, installation surfaces, and avoidance surfaces, allowing direct insertion and rotation for a seamless fit with the track groove, enhancing bearing capacity and installation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional track bolt structures are used, then installation can be performed, but the supporting strength between bolts and track grooves is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupporting strengthVSAvoidfixation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bolt head is designed with an asymmetric dovetail shape that matches the corresponding dovetail groove geometry. This asymmetric configuration creates interlocking surfaces that significantly enhance the supporting strength between the bolt and track groove, while the specific asymmetric geometry also facilitates ease of installation through the slot opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting surfaces of the dovetail-shaped bolt head are designed with specific curvature characteristics that enable the bolt to be rotated and inserted through the slot opening. The curved geometry allows the bolt to navigate the slot constraints while achieving proper engagement with the track groove, thereby improving both installation convenience and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If conventional bolts are used, then fixation can be achieved, but installation is inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation convenienceVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bolt head is pre-formed with a dovetail shape and equipped with installation surfaces and avoidance surfaces that are specifically designed to facilitate insertion through slot openings. This preliminary geometric configuration eliminates the need for complex installation maneuvers, allowing workers to quickly insert and secure bolts at various points along the track groove, thereby reducing installation time and improving convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If bolts are inserted from the end of track groove, then fixation is possible, but installation points cannot be flexibly added

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation point flexibilityVSAvoidconstruction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dovetail-shaped bolt design with specific installation surfaces enables the bolt to be inserted and secured at any position along the track groove through slot openings, rather than being limited to end-point insertion only. This universal installation capability allows for flexible addition of installation points throughout the track length, enhancing adaptability while maintaining construction efficiency through consistent installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4311948B1Bolt for dovetail grooves
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 HAOHENG (FUJIAN) BUILDING MATERIALS TECH CO LTD
  • EP4311948B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4311948B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4311948B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dovetail track groove bolt includes a T-shaped body having a bolt head 1 and bolt shaft 2. The bolt head has inclined limiting surfaces 11 on both sides, and its longitudinal cross-section forms a "dovetail shape." The width of the bolt head is equipped with installation surfaces 12 on both sides, and at the diagonal junction of the limiting surfaces and installation surfaces, avoidance surfaces 13 are placed. This irregular bolt, through the implementation of a dovetail-shaped bolt head matching the dovetail track groove, redistributes the vertical gravitational force into horizontal and longitudinal forces, effectively dispersing the track groove's bearing load and enhancing the overall bearing capacity. Simultaneously, by introducing installation surfaces and avoidance surfaces, the bolt head can be inserted directly into the dovetail track groove's slot and aligned through rotation, thereby expediting the installation process.