Modular Track Connectors Prevent Lateral Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular track systems for model vehicles are difficult to manipulate, particularly for children, and often fail to prevent lateral movement of track sections, leading to instability and interruptions in the track.
Innovation Solution
A modular track system with interconnected track sections featuring male and female connector structures that extend beyond the ends of the sections, allowing for concentric engagement and secure interlocking, with pylon-shaped connectors that fit into cavities from the lower surface to the upper surface, providing stability and preventing lateral movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If existing connection systems are used to join track sections, then the track can be assembled, but lateral movement of track sections cannot be prevented leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system employs nested structures where inner connectors are positioned within outer connectors, creating multiple concentric connection layers. This nesting arrangement provides redundant connection paths that prevent lateral movement while maintaining track stability and assembly reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates pre-positioned structural elements that anticipate and prevent lateral movement before it can occur. The geometry of the nested connectors is configured to provide inherent lateral support, cushioning against destabilizing forces before they can disrupt track stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If complex connection systems are used to prevent lateral movement, then track stability improves, but the system becomes difficult to manipulate for children and adults
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate modular components including outer connectors and inner connectors that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows users to assemble the track section by section with simple connector attachment, maintaining ease of operation while achieving stable connections through the combined effect of multiple connector types.
3Ease of operation
If simple connector designs are used, then ease of manipulation improves, but lateral movement prevention capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple connector types (outer connectors and inner connectors) into a unified connection assembly. This combination integrates the lateral movement prevention capabilities of nested structures with the ease of manipulation of modular design, achieving both track stability and user-friendly operation simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Modular tracks for model vehicles are disclosed. In some embodiments, a track of the present disclosure includes a plurality of track sections, each track section including at least one upper and lower surface and at least one end. In some embodiments, a first track section of the plurality of track sections includes a female connector and a male connector located in a first track section end region and a second track section of the plurality of track sections includes a male connector and a female connector located in a second track end region. In some embodiments, the female connector of the first track section correspondingly interconnects with the male connector of the second track section and the female connector of the second track section correspondingly interconnects with the male connector of the first track section to interconnect the first track section and the second track section.