Integrated Guide Track Bracket Assembly for Faster Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional guide track systems for track-mounted ladders require separate dowels and mounting brackets, leading to increased component count, installation time, and cost, as well as complex layout and installation due to staggered dowel placements and in-field cutting of track pieces, especially in dual-track systems.
Innovation Solution
A bracket assembly that integrates mounting and guide track supporting features, allowing for direct coupling of guide track pieces and reducing the need for separate dowels, with a mounting feature that can be affixed to a support structure and a guide track supporting feature that connects adjacent pieces, thereby simplifying installation and reducing component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If separate dowels and mounting brackets are used to join guide track pieces, then the guide track system achieves sufficient structural strength and stability, but the number of components increases and installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting bracket and dowel into a single integrated support bracket assembly. The bracket includes a mounting portion that attaches to the support structure and an extending portion that acts as the dowel to join adjacent guide track pieces. This integration eliminates the need for separate dowel components while maintaining the structural strength and stability required for the guide track system.
2Force
If separate dowels and mounting brackets are used, then the guide track system achieves adequate load capacity, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the mounting bracket and dowel into a single pre-assembled unit, the installation process is simplified. The entire support bracket assembly can be installed in one operation rather than requiring separate steps for mounting brackets and dowels, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining adequate load capacity through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket and dowel are pre-assembled into an integrated unit before installation. This preliminary integration ensures proper alignment and positioning, eliminating the need for in-field cutting and adjustment of track pieces, thereby reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining load capacity.
3Reliability
If dowels are placed within a minimum distance from mounting brackets for safety, then structural robustness is ensured, but layout complexity and installation cost increase due to required in-field cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the mounting bracket and dowel into a single assembly with a predetermined length allows the entire unit to be positioned at the exact location where the guide track needs support. This eliminates the need for separate dowel placement at minimum distances from mounting brackets, as the integrated design inherently satisfies the structural requirements without requiring in-field cutting or complex layout calculations.
4Force
If staggered dowel placements are used in dual-track systems to meet load capacity, then sufficient load support is achieved, but layout and installation become more expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated support bracket assembly can be designed in various configurations to accommodate dual-track systems. The single assembly can provide both mounting and joining functions for multiple track pieces, allowing for simplified layout patterns that maintain load capacity without requiring complex staggered placements, thereby improving installation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A guide track system and a bracket assembly thereof for supporting guide tracks thereof are provided. The guide track system comprises a first guide track piece, a second guide track piece, and a bracket assembly configured to support the first and second guide track pieces. The bracket assembly comprises a mounting feature configured to be mounted to a support structure, and a guide track supporting feature connected to the mounting feature and configured to support a portion of the guide track mounted thereon. The guide track supporting feature, in turn, comprises a body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends, wherein the first end is configured to be coupled with an end of the first guide track piece, and the second end is configured to be coupled with an end of the second guide track piece.