L-Track Fitting With Visual Lock Pin for Compact Wheelchair Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheelchair securing systems in vehicles face challenges in conserving space without compromising the strength of the retractor, particularly in smaller vehicles transporting larger wheelchairs, leading to safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A fitting assembly that includes a bottom portion with circular disks for engaging an L-track, a retractable lock mechanism for locking along the longitudinal length, and a pivotal connection for rotation, allowing the fitting to slide and lock securely while enabling manual operation and visual indication of the lock status, thus ensuring the wheelchair is securely retained without compromising strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the retractor size is reduced to conserve space, then space efficiency is improved, but the strength of the retractor is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into two main segments: a compact retractor body and a separate fitting assembly with locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the retractor body to be smaller while the fitting provides the necessary strength through its locking components that engage with the L-track anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting includes a retractable lock mechanism that moves in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the fitting. This dimensional change allows the locking action to occur in a different plane, enabling a compact design that doesn't compromise locking strength.
2Volume of moving object
If the retractor size is reduced to conserve space, then space efficiency is improved, but safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The safety function is segmented from the retractor body and placed in the separate fitting assembly. The fitting contains the locking mechanism with circular engagement portions that positively engage the L-track anchors, providing reliable safety function independent of retractor size.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable lock mechanism provides visual feedback through its position (retracted = locked, extended = unlocked) and mechanical feedback through the engagement of circular portions with L-track apertures. This ensures the user can verify the locked state, maintaining safety regardless of retractor size.
3Reliability
If a retractable lock mechanism is added to prevent sliding, then locking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex mechanical latch or cam mechanism, the design inverts the approach by using a simple retractable lock that moves perpendicular to the fitting length. The locking action is achieved by the circular engagement portions entering and locking into the L-track apertures, which is mechanically simpler than traditional latch mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting design allows the lock mechanism to serve multiple functions: it provides locking capability, visual status indication, and manual operation through tabs. The circular engagement portions self-align with the L-track apertures, reducing the need for complex alignment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in this disclosure is a fitting for engaging an L-track mounted to a surface and a connection component for connecting the fitting to an external component. The fitting includes a bottom portion including circular disks configured to be received within corresponding circular apertures formed in a surface of the L-track. The fitting is configured to slide along a longitudinal length of the L-track to enable the circular discs to be retained within a channel beneath opposing ledges formed in the surface of the L-track. A retractable lock mechanism is configured to retract along the fitting in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length, retracting between a locked position and an unlocked position. The retractable lock mechanism has circular engagement portions for engaging the circular apertures of the L-track when in the locked position, to thereby prevent the fitting from sliding along the longitudinal length.