Modular Bypass Track Layout for Independent Overhead Carriages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ceiling-mounted lighting and tool systems, particularly in dental examination and operating rooms, face limitations in mounting multiple tracks and devices due to space constraints and interference issues, restricting the number of devices that can be mounted and moved independently.

Innovation Solution

A modular track and carriage system with multiple independent tracks secured adjacent to each other on a mounting plate, allowing for parallel movement and independent power and cable management of devices, enabling multiple devices to be mounted and moved without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple tracks are mounted on the ceiling, then the number of devices that can be mounted increases, but the space required and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of devicesVSAvoidceiling space

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the ceiling mounting space into multiple separate track segments, each capable of independently supporting a device. This segmentation allows multiple devices to be mounted in a compact arrangement while maintaining independent movement and cable management for each device, effectively increasing device capacity without proportionally increasing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tracks are mounted adjacent to each other, then device placement flexibility improves, but the system complexity and difficulty of installation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice placement flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular track and carriage units that can be independently installed and configured. Each track-carriage pair forms a self-contained module that can be easily installed and removed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility in device placement arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carriages are designed to move dynamically along the tracks with independent cable management systems that accommodate movement without restricting the range of motion. This dynamic design allows flexible device placement while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized movement mechanisms across all modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If devices are mounted on separate tracks, then independent movement is achieved, but the footprint and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent movementVSAvoidfootprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system arranges multiple tracks in a compact two-dimensional configuration on the ceiling, allowing carriages to move independently along each track while maintaining close proximity. This dimensional arrangement enables independent device movement without requiring excessive ceiling space, as the tracks are positioned adjacent to one another in an space-efficient layout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8967573B2Modular, bypass track and carriage system for overhead-mounted lights and other devices

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 KAVO DENTAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A track and carriage system including a mounting plate, a first track removably secured to the mounting plate and receiving a first carriage movable therein, a second track removably secured to the mounting plate and receiving a second carriage movable therein. The first and second tracks are positioned adjacent and substantially parallel to one another such that the carriage of the first track moves independently of and in parallel with the carriage of the second track.