Flared Tee-Bolt Assembly for Low-Profile Accessory Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessory mounting systems are limited by their design, often being non-compatible with track systems, too large for tight spaces, and lacking a low-profile design, which hinders quick and secure attachment and removal of devices on vehicles and structures.
Innovation Solution
A tee-bolt with a head and stud configuration that provides a secure, removable attachment system compatible with accessory track systems, featuring a flare mechanism to inhibit separation and a low-profile design, allowing for easy installation and secure locking of devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing mounting systems are used, then devices can be attached to structures, but they are incompatible with track systems and too large for tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a tee-bolt with head and stud, a track system with receiving features, and detachable connection elements. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different mounting scenarios while maintaining a compact overall footprint, as only the necessary components are deployed in each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The tee-bolt design nests the stud within the head structure, with the stud extending from the head and featuring a flare at its end. The flare fits within the track system's receiving feature, creating a nested configuration that minimizes the overall footprint while maintaining full functionality for track system compatibility.
2Shape
If existing mounting systems are used, then devices can be secured to structures, but they lack a low-profile design
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a vertical profile orientation to a horizontal footprint orientation. The tee-bolt's head provides the primary attachment interface with the track system on the horizontal plane, while the stud extends perpendicular to the head in a controlled manner. This dimensional reorganization achieves a low-profile vertical height while maintaining secure attachment through the horizontal track interface.
3Ease of operation
If existing mounting systems are used, then devices can be attached, but they cannot provide quick and easy removable attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic characteristics through the threaded stud that can be rapidly engaged and disengaged from the track system. The flare at the stud's end provides automatic positioning and engagement guidance, allowing quick attachment by simply inserting the stud into the track's receiving feature and threading it in, while the threaded connection ensures secure, reliable fastening that can be easily removed when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A tee-bolt for use with an accessory mounting track provides a quick and easy removable attachment of various devices. The tee-bolt comprises a head comprising upper and lower surfaces and a female threaded hole passing therethrough between the upper and lower surfaces, and a stud comprising a male thread having an end threaded through the head so that the end is flush with the lower surface of the head and a portion of the stud extends from the upper surface of the head. The end of the stud is flared outwardly within the threaded hole and flush with the lower surface of the head by the application of pressure to form a flare that interacts with the head to inhibit separation of the head and the stud.