Pre-Strained T-Bolt Slider for Fully Populated Rack Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for mounting and dismounting racks from main frames using T-bolts face challenges when all slots are filled, as the T-bolts can fall and cause damage, and reinstallation is difficult due to lack of access, requiring significant effort to disassemble the main frame or modules.
Innovation Solution
A pre-strain unit for T-bolts, comprising a slider and frame with pre-straining means, such as springs, that keeps the T-bolt protruding during release or assembly, allowing it to be easily pushed into or pulled out of the main frame without falling, and facilitating easy reinstallation by maintaining the T-bolt in a strained position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If all slots are filled with fully equipped racks, then the rack density is maximized, but the access to hammer-head screws is blocked making removal impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-strain unit applies a preliminary lifting force to the T-bolt before the nut is removed, ensuring the bolt remains elevated and accessible throughout the removal process. This preliminary action prevents the bolt from falling into the blocked area where modules are located, enabling safe removal even when all slots are filled.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-strain unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the nut and the T-bolt head. It provides a mechanical linkage that translates the nut's removal into controlled movement of the T-bolt, maintaining the bolt in a safe position without requiring direct manual intervention in the blocked area.
2Ease of operation
If the nut is loosened to remove the rack, then the rack can be detached, but the T-bolt falls down causing damage and making reassembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-strain unit applies a preliminary lifting force to the T-bolt before the nut is removed, ensuring the bolt remains elevated and secure throughout the removal process. This preliminary action prevents the bolt from falling into the blocked area where modules are located, enabling safe removal even when all slots are filled.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-strain unit provides a safety mechanism that cushions against the harmful effect of the T-bolt falling. By maintaining continuous upward force through the spring mechanism, it prevents the bolt from dropping and causing damage to electronic parts, thereby cushioning against potential failures.
3Reliability
If modules are disassembled to access the T-bolt area, then the T-bolt can be secured, but significant effort and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-strain unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the nut and the T-bolt head. It provides a mechanical linkage that translates the nut's removal into controlled movement of the T-bolt, maintaining the bolt in a safe position without requiring direct manual intervention in the blocked area.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-strain unit enables the system to service itself during the removal process. The mechanical linkage automatically maintains T-bolt positioning through the spring mechanism, eliminating the need for manual disassembly of modules to secure the bolt, thereby saving significant time and effort.
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
The pre-strain unit prevents T-bolt loss and simplifies the mounting and dismounting process, allowing fully equipped racks to be removed or inserted without disassembling the modules, reducing the risk of damage and effort, and enabling easy reinstallation of washers and nuts.
Implementation Method 1
The means for pre-straining comprises at least one spring extending between the frame and the slider
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A pre-strain unit for a T-bolt (50) during a release process of two components (60, 70) connected by the T-bolt (50) is disclosed. The unit comprises: a slider (110); a frame (120) for providing a linear guiding for said slider (110) during the release process; and means (130) for pre-straining said slider (110) in said frame (120) against a head (52) of said T-bolt (50) to keep, during the release process, at least a part of the T-bolt (50) protruding from the two connected components (60, 70).