Manual Track Fitting With One-Piece Blade Locking Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track fittings for securing structures in vehicles require multiple parts, are prone to wear and tear due to moving parts, and involve expensive manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A manual blade track fitting with flange members that can be inserted separately and consecutively into a track's open-top channel, featuring a connecting portion and flanges that engage with the track's undersides, providing a clamping force to secure structures without the need for additional locking features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional track fittings with multiple parts and moving parts are used, then securement function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional fitting components into a single integrated one-piece fitting structure. The fitting includes a head portion that engages with the track and a blade portion that secures the seat, all formed as one continuous piece without separate moving parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining securement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece fitting is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the head portion engages with the track channel and undersides, the blade portion secures the seat leg, and the integrated structure provides both positioning and locking functions without requiring separate components or assembly steps
2Reliability
If traditional track fittings with moving parts are used, then securement function is achieved, but wear and tear increases due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates all moving parts from the traditional fitting design. By removing pivots, hinges, and adjustable mechanisms, the fitting becomes a static one-piece structure that eliminates wear and tear associated with moving components while maintaining the securement function through its geometric design and engagement features
3Reliability
If traditional track fittings with multiple parts are used, then securement function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditionally separate fitting components into a single integrated one-piece fitting structure. The fitting includes a head portion that engages with the track and a blade portion that secures the seat, all formed as one continuous piece without separate moving parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining securement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece fitting design eliminates the need for expensive multi-part constructions and complex assembly processes. The simplified monolithic structure can be manufactured more economically using standard fabrication methods, reducing overall manufacturing costs while providing sufficient service life for the application
Data Source
AI summary
A track fitting for securing a structure to an open-top channeled track may include at least one leaf having a flange portion that depends at an angle from a levering portion, and at least one fastener for connecting the levering portion to the structure, wherein in a secured condition, the flange portion is oriented for engagement with an underside of at least one of the two inwardly directed lips and the levering portion extends outside the open-top channel where the fastener secures the levering portion to the structure.