Accessory Mounting Track With Discrete Locking Positions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accessory mounting tracks face challenges with quick and easy attachment and removal of devices, often resulting in overtightening or loosening, which can lead to device failure due to reliance on static friction and varying grip strengths.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of physical interlocks on accessory devices that mate with slots or interlocking features on the mounting track, allowing for secure attachment in multiple directions without relying on frictional forces, thereby preventing movement and ensuring secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If static friction is used to hold the device in position on the track, then the device can be easily attached and removed, but the device may overtighten or loosen to a point of failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment and removal easeVSAvoiddevice security against overtightening or loosening

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical holding system with a positive locking mechanism featuring discrete locking positions and engagement features. The locking mechanism uses geometric interlocking rather than friction to secure the device at specific positions along the track, eliminating the risk of overtightening or loosening while maintaining ease of attachment and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If varying degrees of grip and strength are required to secure the device to the track, then the device can be firmly attached, but users with dexterity issues experience difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoiduser accessibility for dexterity-impaired users

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the grip-strength-dependent friction-based attachment system with a positive locking mechanism that requires minimal force to engage and disengage. The locking feature simply needs to be inserted into the corresponding slot or recess, eliminating the need for users to apply varying degrees of grip strength or torque, thereby making the system accessible to users with dexterity issues while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the device is tightened to compress it against the track, then the device is secured in position, but rotation can loosen the device or cause failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice positioning stabilityVSAvoiddevice resistance to loosening from rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the compression-based friction holding system with a positive locking mechanism where the locking feature engages with a discrete locking position on the track. This geometric interlocking provides inherent resistance to rotation and loosening without requiring continuous compression or torque, thereby maintaining positioning stability while preventing rotation-induced failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates easy and secure attachment and removal of devices, reducing the risk of overtightening or loosening, and allows for versatile positioning without requiring excessive grip strength or torque, enhancing usability for users with dexterity issues.

Implementation Method 1

the interlocks mate with the interlocking features, resulting in physical interference, to prevent movement of the accessory device along the accessory mounting track when attached thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical interference:

Implementation Method 2

the accessory device is prevented from moving along the accessory mounting track when sufficient frictional forces are applied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11754222B1Accessory mounting track with one or more discrete locking positions

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 YAKATTACK LLC

AI summary

An accessory device is provided with one or more physical interlocks for mating with a slot provided along an accessory mounting track, or alternatively, with discrete physical mating interlocking features provided along an accessory mounting track, such as along opposing sides of the slot. In this way, the accessory device can be mounted along the slot in a lengthwise direction of the accessory mounting track or perpendicularly or transversely to the lengthwise direction of the accessory mounting track. When mounting in a lengthwise direction of the accessory mounting track, the accessory device is prevented from moving along the accessory mounting track when sufficient frictional forces are applied. When mounting perpendicularly or transversely to the lengthwise direction of the accessory mounting track, the interlocks mate with the interlocking features to prevent movement of the accessory device along the accessory mounting track.