Dovetail Mounting Rails for Clutter-Free Accessory Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessories and peripheral devices often clutter work surfaces when stored, making them difficult to access quickly and efficiently, and existing storage solutions do not allow for convenient, clutter-free storage while maintaining easy access.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mounting rail system with dovetail lugs and retention channels that allows accessories and devices to be securely attached to electronic devices or enclosures, enabling them to be stowed out of the way while remaining easily accessible, thereby maintaining a clutter-free workspace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If accessories and peripheral devices are stored on work surfaces, then they are easily accessible, but the work surface becomes cluttered and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions accessories from two-dimensional work surface storage to three-dimensional vertical mounting on electronic devices. Mounting rails are attached to the exterior surfaces of devices, allowing accessories to be hung or placed in dedicated slots, effectively utilizing vertical space and moving items off the horizontal work surface while maintaining quick access.
2Productivity
If accessories are stored in drawers or cabinets, then the work surface is cleared, but accessibility and quick retrieval are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-positioned mounting locations and organized slots on device exteriors where accessories can be placed in their designated spots before use. This preliminary organization allows for immediate visual identification and instant retrieval, eliminating the time required to search through drawers or cabinets while maintaining a clean workspace.
3Productivity
If mounting solutions are added to electronic devices, then workspace clutter is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting system into separate, modular components: mounting rails that attach to device exteriors, detachable accessory holders, and interchangeable mounting brackets. This segmentation allows users to add only the specific mounting components needed for their accessories without overwhelming complexity, and enables easy installation and removal without modifying the core device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a mounting rail may include a base and a dovetail lug. The dovetail lug may extend from the base and may also extend along a width of the base. The dovetail lug may include a bottom portion having a first thickness, and a top portion having a second thickness. The second thickness may be larger than the first thickness. In further implementations, the bottom portion and the top portion may define a front overhang and a back overhang of the dovetail lug.