Modular Floor Rail with Interchangeable Catwalk Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor rails for sliding leaf systems require multiple versions with different numbers of catwalks to accommodate varying numbers of sliding leaves, leading to inefficiencies in storage and usage.
Innovation Solution
A modular floor rail design featuring a rail profile with latching grooves and catwalk modules of varying lengths, where the catwalk modules can be easily added or removed, and a wedge-shaped locking mechanism for secure attachment, enhancing stability and water drainage, and incorporating edge protection for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple floor rail versions with different numbers of catwalks are maintained to accommodate varying numbers of sliding leaves, then the system can adapt to different configurations, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The floor rail is segmented into a base profile and multiple interchangeable catwalk modules. Each catwalk module is a separate component that can be independently added or removed from the base profile, allowing the system to be configured for different numbers of sliding leaves without requiring entirely different floor rail versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The base profile is designed as a universal component that can accommodate any number of catwalk modules through standardized latching grooves. This multi-functional base profile replaces the need for multiple specialized floor rail versions, as the same base can serve configurations with 2, 3, 4, or more sliding leaves by simply adding or removing catwalk modules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with addable catwalk modules is implemented, then the adaptability to different configurations is improved, but the connection stability must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into complementary components: latching grooves in the base profile and locking feet on catwalk modules. This segmentation allows for standardized, pre-engineered connection interfaces that ensure reliable assembly while maintaining modular flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses a wedge-shaped geometry where the locking foot tapers into the latching groove. This wedge shape creates a self-locking effect through mechanical interference, ensuring that once assembled, the connection is stable and resistant to accidental disassembly while still allowing controlled installation and removal.
3Ease of operation
If catwalk modules can be easily added or removed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of connection interfaces must be high
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connection into standardized grooves and feet, the manufacturing precision requirements are concentrated on specific, repeatable features rather than entire components. This allows for precise molding of the locking feet and corresponding grooves while keeping the overall assembly process simple and tool-free.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped locking mechanism provides inherent alignment and self-centering during assembly. The tapered geometry guides the locking foot into the latching groove, compensating for minor dimensional variations and ensuring proper engagement without requiring extremely tight tolerances across all manufacturing dimensions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the locking foot is molded onto the catwalk module, then the component depth is reduced and stability is increased, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking foot is merged with the catwalk module through integral molding, creating a single-piece component. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for the locking foot, reducing overall component count and simplifying the supply chain despite the slightly more complex mold design required.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded locking foot serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical locking interface, acts as a structural reinforcement for the catwalk module, and defines the attachment geometry. This multi-functionality consolidates several potential components into one, offsetting the increased molding complexity with overall simplification of the assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The track (1) has a rail profile comprising two parallel running boards (23) that are arranged at a distance to each other. The running boards are provided for accommodating rollers of a sliding wing. A locking groove is formed in the rail profile, and a running board module (3) comprising a locking base is attached to the locking groove. An edge protection unit is attached to the locking groove. A sealing element is attached to the locking groove, where outer contour of the sealing element corresponds to an outer contour of a locking wedge of the board module.