Slider Assembly Lock Mechanism for Secure Track Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slider fastener systems in outdoor equipment often experience disconnection due to manufacturing inconsistencies and poor locking features, leading to difficulties in maintaining a secure sliding coupling with piping tracks, which can be expensive to manufacture and prone to warping.
Innovation Solution
A slider assembly with a slider body and actuation lever that includes a lock mechanism and clamp members, allowing for selective translation and locking along a slide track, ensuring secure engagement and preventing disconnection by moving clamp members towards each other when transitioning to a locked configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sliding fastener systems are used with extrusion-formed piping tracks, then the fastener can slide along the track, but the fastener may pop off and become disconnected due to manufacturing inconsistencies and warping
Solution Approach 1:
The track is divided into discrete track elements (links) connected by articulation points, allowing the track to flex and accommodate manufacturing variations without compromising the connection between the fastener and track
Solution Approach 2:
The track elements are designed with specific geometric parameters (articulation points, link shapes) that allow the track to adapt to dimensional variations through controlled movement at articulation points rather than requiring perfect dimensional consistency throughout
2Ease of manufacture
If piping tracks are formed via extrusion process, then the track can be manufactured, but the track experiences shrinking or warping that makes it difficult to ensure consistent dimensions for secure fastener coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The extruded track is segmented into multiple rigid links connected by articulation points, allowing each link to be manufactured with standard tolerances while the overall track maintains functionality through the flexibility provided by articulation points
Solution Approach 2:
The track transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure that can change its configuration to accommodate manufacturing variations, allowing the track to adapt its shape while maintaining secure fastener engagement
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fabric covering is wrapped over plastic extrusion, then the slide track can be covered, but the covering or wrapping operations are expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of wrapping fabric over the extrusion, the patent uses molded plastic track elements that replicate the necessary surface characteristics and structural function, eliminating the separate fabric covering step while achieving the same protective and functional goals
Data Source
AI summary
Slider assemblies and outdoor equipment including the same. A slider assembly is configured to be slidingly coupled to a slide track and includes a slider body and an actuation lever operatively coupled to the slider body. The slider body includes a first clamp member and a second clamp member that collectively define at least a portion of a track receiver. The slider assembly is configured to selectively translate along the slide track and includes a lock mechanism configured to selectively prevent the slider assembly from translating relative to the slide track. The actuation lever selectively transitions the slider assembly between an adjustment configuration and a locked configuration. When the slider assembly transitions from the adjustment configuration toward the locked configuration, one or both of the first clamp member and the second clamp member move toward one another.