Modular Mounting Track With Insertion Zone for Easy Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting track systems lack flexibility and ease of use in securing and positioning objects along a continuous track, as they often require complex assembly and do not accommodate multiple directions or easy insertion of retention elements.
Innovation Solution
A modular mounting track system comprising track sections, endpieces, insertion-pieces, and angled-pieces that form a continuous track with insertion zones, allowing for easy attachment to surfaces and enabling retention elements to be inserted and moved along the track, with interconnecting features like tabs and slits or tabs and grooves for assembly, and guide features for orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous track system is used to retain mount assemblies, then the object can be positioned along a fixed path with limited movement, but the system lacks flexibility and ease of use in securing and positioning objects
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting track is divided into multiple track sections that can be independently assembled and configured. Each track section contains standardized insertion zones that accept retention elements, allowing the track to be segmented into manageable units that are easier to install and reconfigure while maintaining secure retention throughout the continuous track.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system incorporates movable retention elements that can be inserted, removed, and repositioned along the continuous track. This dynamic capability allows users to easily adjust the position of mount assemblies along the track without requiring complex tools or procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable retention.
2Reliability
If complex assembly procedures are used to ensure secure retention, then the reliability of the mounting system improves, but the device complexity and difficulty of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into modular track sections with standardized connection interfaces. These sections can be assembled using simple interlocking mechanisms rather than complex fastening procedures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure retention through the distributed structure of multiple track sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The track sections incorporate self-aligning and self-securing features that automatically ensure proper assembly without requiring complex procedures or specialized tools. The retention elements are designed to self-lock into the track sections, providing secure retention while simplifying the assembly process and reducing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mounting systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability and versatility for different positioning requirements are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous track system serves multiple functions: it provides a fixed path for movement, allows positioning at various locations through movable retention elements, enables easy reconfiguration by adding or removing track sections, and supports different mount assembly configurations. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability while the modular structure keeps the overall system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system transitions from a static, fixed mounting structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where retention elements can move along the track and track sections can be easily assembled or disassembled. This dynamic capability provides versatility for different positioning requirements while the standardized modular design prevents excessive complexity.
4Ease of operation
If fixed mounting positions are used, then the manufacturing and assembly process is simple, but the ease of repositioning and adjusting the mounted object is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs movable retention elements that can be freely positioned along the continuous track, enabling easy repositioning of mounted objects. The retention elements can be removed and reinserted at different locations without complex procedures, providing dynamic repositioning capability while the standardized track structure maintains manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The track is segmented into multiple sections with standardized insertion zones, allowing the system to be configured in different lengths and arrangements. This segmentation enables easy repositioning by simply moving retention elements between sections or reconfiguring the track layout, while the modular segmented structure prevents excessive complexity in the overall system design.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting track includes a track section having a track base, two vertical track-rails, and horizontal track-beams laterally-spaced-apart from each other by a first distance. An endpiece is attachable to the track section and includes an endpiece base, a vertical endpiece rail, and horizontal endpiece beams. When attached to the track section, the track base and the endpiece base align, the vertical track-rails and the vertical endpiece rail align, and the horizontal track-beams and the horizontal endpiece beams align to form a continuous track within which a retention element of a mount assembly can move. The endpiece includes an insertion zone where opposing portions of the horizontal endpiece beams are spaced-apart from each other by a second distance that is larger than the first distance to facilitate insertion of the retention element into the track.