T-Bolt Locking Tabs for Secure Track Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing T-bolt and track system for accessory mounting lacks clear visual indication of secure engagement, leading to potential disengagement and loss of accessories, especially in moving environments like maritime vessels, due to obscured rotational position and insecure connection.
Innovation Solution
A T-bolt locking device with opposing tabs that prevent rotation of the T-bolt within the track, ensuring secure engagement by capturing the T-bolt head between tabs, thus preventing disengagement and loss, even when accessories are loosened for repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the T-bolt head is made longer to limit free rotation in the track, then the rotational stability is improved, but the ease of insertion and alignment into the slot deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The T-bolt head is segmented into distinct functional zones: a reduced-width insertion portion that fits through the slot, and a longer retention portion that limits rotation. This segmentation allows the head to sequentially perform insertion and rotational stabilization functions without compromising either.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-dimensional length adjustment to a multi-dimensional geometric configuration. By varying the width and length dimensions independently at different portions of the head, the design achieves both easy slot insertion (narrow width) and rotational stability (extended length within the track interior).
2Ease of operation
If the T-bolt head width is reduced to fit through the slot, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the reliability of preventing accidental rotation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The T-bolt head is divided into functional segments with different dimensions: a narrow insertion portion for easy slot passage and a longer retention portion that engages with the track interior to prevent accidental rotation and provide reliable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the T-bolt head have different geometric properties optimized for specific functions. The insertion portion has reduced width for easy passage through the slot, while the retention portion has increased length to provide reliable rotational limitation within the track interior.
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.