Accessory Mounting Track Geometry for Self-Aligning T-Bolts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing accessory mounting tracks with T-bolts require two-handed operation to align and insert the T-bolt, leading to increased time and difficulty in mounting accessories due to the limited rotation of the T-bolt caused by its elongated head being wider than the track.
Innovation Solution
The track incorporates a geometry with a first alignment feature that rotates the T-bolt and a second alignment feature that stops its rotation, allowing single-handed installation by ensuring the T-bolt is automatically aligned with the track opening, facilitating easier and faster mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the T-bolt head is made elongated with flanges extending in opposing directions, then the T-bolt can be securely mounted to the track, but the rotation of the T-bolt is limited and alignment with the track opening becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The track geometry itself performs the alignment function through its T-shaped interior and opening configuration. When the T-bolt is inserted, the track's geometry automatically guides and aligns the T-bolt head with the opening, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations. The track serves itself by providing the alignment function through its structural design rather than requiring external alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-bolt head and track opening are designed with asymmetric geometry where the head has flanges extending in opposing directions and the track interior has a corresponding T-shaped asymmetric configuration. This asymmetric design allows the T-bolt to be inserted in a specific orientation and prevents rotation, ensuring proper alignment without requiring manual intervention. The asymmetry creates a natural alignment path during insertion.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment of the T-bolt with the track opening is performed, then proper insertion is achieved, but two hands are required and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track's T-shaped interior and opening geometry automatically perform the alignment function during insertion. The structure guides the T-bolt into the correct position without requiring manual alignment operations, enabling single-handed installation and reducing installation time while maintaining proper insertion accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The track is pre-configured with a T-shaped interior and opening geometry that is designed to automatically align and guide the T-bolt during insertion. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that as long as the T-bolt is generally directed toward the opening, the track geometry will complete the alignment and enable successful insertion without requiring precise manual positioning.
3Reliability
If the T-bolt is not properly aligned with the track opening, then the T-bolt gets jammed and cannot be inserted, but achieving proper alignment requires two-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The track geometry automatically performs the alignment function through its T-shaped interior and opening configuration. During insertion, the track's structure guides and aligns the T-bolt head, preventing jamming and ensuring successful insertion. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for complex two-handed operations and reduces installation complexity while maintaining high insertion success rates.
Data Source
AI summary
A track is provided with a geometry that automatically aligns a T-bolt with the opening at the terminal end of the track to make the use of the T-bolt and track combination faster and easier, and allow single-handed installation of T-bolts and accessories using T-bolts with slotted accessory mounting tracks.