T-Bolt Locking Tabs for Secure Track Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing T-bolt systems for accessory mounting tracks lack visibility and security, as the rotational position of the T-bolt is obscured, leading to potential disengagement and loss of accessories, especially in moving environments.
Innovation Solution
A T-bolt locking device with opposing tabs that engage the head of the T-bolt, preventing rotation and ensuring secure attachment to the track, even when the accessory is loosened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the T-bolt head is made longer than the track interior width to limit free rotation, then the T-bolt becomes rotationally fixed and secure, but the rotational position remains obscured from view and visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual indicators (such as colored markings or transparent/ translucent portions) on the T-bolt head or track components that change appearance or become visible when the T-bolt reaches the correct rotational position. This allows the obscured rotational position to be detected through visual cues without compromising the mechanical security provided by the extended T-bolt head.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the accessory is loosened to slide the T-bolt to a new position, then the accessory can be repositioned, but the T-bolt can be urged to rotate into a disengaged position and fall out of the track
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a locking mechanism that is engaged before loosening the accessory. This preliminary locking action prevents the T-bolt from rotating into a disengaged position during the loosening and repositioning process. The lock may be a separate component or integrated into the T-bolt or accessory assembly, and it maintains engagement security throughout the repositioning operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism applies a counteracting force or constraint that prevents the harmful rotation of the T-bolt into disengagement. This preliminary anti-action occurs before the accessory is fully loosened, counteracting the tendency of the T-bolt to rotate outward and fall out of the track during the repositioning process.
3Reliability
If a locking device with opposing tabs is added to engage the T-bolt head, then positive engagement and prevention of disengagement is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the locking function with existing components of the T-bolt system. The opposing tabs may be formed as integral portions of the T-bolt head or the accessory, combining the locking mechanism with the fastening components. This merging approach provides positive engagement security while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by reusing existing structural elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A T-bolt locking device provides positive engagement of a T-bolt with a track as well as prevents disengagement from the track when loosening the T-bolt sufficiently to allow movement of an accessory along a slot in the track to a new position. Tightening the accessory onto the T-bolt secures flanges of the head of the T-bolt against an inner surface of the track while fixing the accessory to the track. The T-bolt locking device comprises opposing tabs configured to pass through the slot in the track and receive the flanges of the head of the T-bolt, whereby the locking device is in the engaged position, preventing rotation of the head of the T-bolt in relation to the tabs. When fastening the T-bolt and locking device, if the locking device does not seat against the track surface, this indicates that the T-bolt is under-rotated and not properly engaged with the track because the opposing tabs of the locking device are contacting the upper face of the T-bolt flange. This prevents the opposing flanges of the head of the T-bolt from being received between the terminal inner surfaces of the tabs of the locking device, and thus, prevents the accessory from being tightened against the track.