Track Assembly Slider Cam Electrical Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Track assemblies are often complex to use and assemble, and may not be configured for removably connecting components or seats to a track, posing challenges in terms of electrical connectivity and movement restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A track assembly with a support member featuring a slider and electrical connector that can move longitudinally between two rotational positions, allowing for selective electrical contact with a track conductor, and including ramped portions to rotate a cam for position change, enabling easy connection and disconnection of components while controlling vertical and longitudinal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If track assemblies use complex processes with many different steps and components, then electrical connectivity and movement restrictions can be controlled, but the assembly and use become relatively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connector and mechanical support functions into a single integrated component. The support member includes both structural elements for mechanical support and electrical contacts for electrical connectivity, eliminating the need for separate electrical connection steps and reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection and movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, enables longitudinal movement along the track, restricts vertical movement, and establishes electrical connectivity. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall assembly process while ensuring reliable control of both electrical connection and movement restrictions.
2Ease of operation
If track assemblies are designed for removable connection, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but electrical connectivity reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is integrated with the support member structure, so that mechanical attachment and electrical connection occur simultaneously as a single operation. When the support member is attached to the track, electrical contacts automatically engage with track conductors, ensuring reliable electrical connectivity without requiring separate connection steps. This integration maintains electrical reliability while enabling easy removable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contacts are pre-positioned on the support member in alignment with the track conductors. When the support member is brought toward the track for attachment, the electrical connections are already prepared to engage, ensuring reliable electrical connectivity is established automatically as part of the mechanical attachment process, without requiring additional alignment or connection steps.
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 solution simplifies the assembly and use of track assemblies by allowing for easy electrical connection and disconnection of components, while controlling movement restrictions, enhancing usability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical connector may include a cam, and/or the cam may be configured to contact the slider. Longitudinal movement of the slider may rotate the cam to move the electrical connector between the first rotational position and/or the second rotational position.
Implementation Method 2
The slider may include a first ramped portion and/or a second ramped portion that may be configured to contact the slider. The second ramped portion may be configured to rotate the cam in a first rotational direction when the slider may move in a first direction. The first ramped portion may be configured to rotate the cam in a second rotational direction when the slider may move in a second direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A track assembly includes a track and a support member. The support member may include a slider and/or an electrical connector. The slider may be configured to move longitudinally to move the electrical connector between a first rotational position and/or a second rotational position. In the first position of the electrical connector, the electrical connector may be in electrical contact with the track. In the second position of the electrical connector, the electrical connector may not be in electrical contact with the track. The electrical connector may include a cam, and/or the cam may be configured to contact the slider. Longitudinal movement of the slider may rotate the cam to move the electrical connector between the first rotational position and/or the second rotational position. The slider may include a first ramped portion and/or a second ramped portion that may be configured to contact the slider.