Marine Modular Track Cam Latch System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine storage systems are cumbersome, require excessive components, and lack flexibility in accommodating various accessories, particularly in commercial and fishing applications where easy access to tools and equipment is essential.
Innovation Solution
A modular track and cam storage system featuring a C-shaped track extrusion and cam latch assembly with a pivotable latch and bolt mechanism, allowing for easy installation and repositioning of accessories like storage bags, rod holders, and cup holders, without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional track systems with multiple channels, recesses, and flanges are used, then accessory mounting capability is provided, but device complexity and number of components increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is divided into modular track sections that can be independently assembled and configured. Each track section contains integrated mounting features, allowing the system to be segmented into manageable units while maintaining overall functionality and reducing the need for excessive individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The track design incorporates universal mounting features that can accommodate multiple types of accessories through a standardized interface. The track sections and accessories are designed with complementary geometric features (protrusions and recesses) that enable a single track system to support various accessory types without requiring specialized components for each accessory.
2Reliability
If clamp bolts are used to secure slide mounts in desired positions, then secure mounting is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional clamp bolt mechanical fastening system is replaced with a geometric interlocking system. The track sections and accessories feature complementary protrusions and recesses that engage through simple insertion and rotation motions, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and tools while maintaining secure mounting through precise geometric fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric interlocking features are designed to self-align and self-secure during installation. The protrusion-rotation-recess mechanism automatically engages the mounting features in the correct position and orientation without requiring external tools or complex adjustment procedures, enabling tool-less installation while ensuring reliable securement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels and recesses are incorporated in track members, then accessory positioning capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple positioning channels and recesses are merged into integrated geometric features directly formed on the track section bodies. Rather than creating separate channel structures, the design combines positioning, mounting, and structural functions into unified geometric elements that are incorporated into the basic track extrusion shape, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining positioning capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a robust, easy-to-use, high-capacity storage solution that is adaptable to multiple accessories, enhancing organization and accessibility on marine vessels by allowing secure and tool-less installation and repositioning of storage components.
Implementation Method 1
a cam latch assembly comprising a latch, a bolt, and a cam, with the bolt disposed between and connecting the latch and the cam. The cam of the cam latch assembly is configured to be horizontally received in the c-channel of the track extrusion and is configured to be rotated within the c-channel such that the cam is slideably engaged with said track extrusion
Data Source
AI summary
A modular track and cam storage system for marine vessels comprising a track extrusion having a c-channel, and a cam latch assembly comprising a latch, a bolt, and a cam. The cam is substantially rectangular in shape having at least two rounded opposing corners. The cam of the cam latch assembly is configured to be horizontally received in the c-channel of the track extrusion and is configured to be rotated within the c-channel such that the cam is slideably engaged with said track extrusion. Manipulating the latch will cause the cam to rotate, in order or manually engage the cam latch assembly with the track extrusion. The cam is capable of being locked within said c-channel by flipping the latch downward about the bolt. The cam latch assembles are attached to a storage accessory such as a storage bag, a trash bag, a cup holder, a basin, a rod holder.