Rotating T-Slot Interconnect for Fast Secure Bar Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting T-slot bars and attaching electronic accessories lack a quick and efficient method for secure interlocking and installation, particularly for constructing LED grow-light systems.
Innovation Solution
A T-slot interconnect system with orthogonally positioned elongated interlock tabs that fit into T-channel slots, allowing for easy locking and securing of T-slot bars and light bars, along with features for supporting cables and electronics, using extended clips, hooks, or hexagonal parts for rotation and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nut/bolt-type interlocking mechanisms are used to connect T-slot bars, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect device is segmented into distinct functional components: a body portion and multiple tabs extending from it. Each tab can independently engage with T-channels of different orientations, allowing the single interconnect to secure multiple T-slot bars simultaneously without requiring multiple separate fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are pre-formed and pre-positioned on the interconnect body at specific orientations (e.g., orthogonal to each other). This preliminary configuration allows installers to simply insert the interconnect into the T-channels and rotate it into place, rather than performing multiple separate insertion and fastening operations for each bar.
2Reliability
If multiple separate fastening operations are performed for each T-slot bar, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single interconnect device. The body portion with multiple tabs integrated together allows one insertion and rotation operation to simultaneously secure multiple T-slot bars, replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate fastening operations and components.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnect device is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple T-slot bars in different orientations simultaneously. The orthogonal tab configuration enables the same interconnect to secure bars positioned at right angles to each other, making it a multi-functional component that reduces overall system complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If T-slot bars are connected using traditional methods, then structural stability is achieved, but installation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect utilizes rotational movement as a dynamic action to achieve secure locking. By rotating the interconnect body after insertion, the tabs transition from an inserted state to a locked state within the T-channels, providing structural stability through a simple dynamic motion rather than complex fastening procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
T-slot interconnects that include a body portion and two orthogonally elongated interlock tabs positioned on opposed sides of the body portion are used for building T-bar structures, including grow-light canopies. In operation, the elongated interlock tabs are placed into T-channels of the T-slot bars and/or T-slot light bars. The T-slot interconnects are then rotated to secure the elongated interlock tabs within the T-channels of the T-slot bars and/or T-slot light bars and, thereby, secure the T-slot bars and/or T-slot light bars together through the T-slot interconnects.