Track Assembly Latch Rotation for Selective Movement Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track assemblies are often complex and lack sufficient functionality, particularly in their ability to selectively connect to tracks, which poses challenges in supporting objects and restricting movement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A track assembly comprising a support assembly with a housing, actuator, latch, and engagement portion that can rotate to selectively engage the track, allowing for limited movement in various directions by positioning the latch in different configurations, and includes connector portions to secure objects, enabling versatile support and movement restriction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing track assemblies use simple connection mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to selectively connect and restrict movement in multiple directions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is designed to rotate between multiple positions (first, second, and third positions) to dynamically change the engagement state of the engagement portion with the track, enabling selective connection and movement restriction in different directions through rotational movement rather than complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly serves multiple functions through its components: the engagement portion engages with the track for support, the latch controls the engagement state through rotation, and the actuator enables position changes. This multi-functional design achieves selective connection capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If the latch is positioned to limit movement in three directions, then the stability and support capability are improved, but the ease of operation for adjusting movement restrictions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch transitions between fixed positions (first, second, third) through rotational movement, allowing stable movement restriction in different directions. The actuator facilitates easy transition between these stable positions by converting rotational input into latch position changes, maintaining both stability and operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The movement restriction capability is segmented into discrete directional controls through the latch's multiple positions. Each position (first, second, third) corresponds to a specific engagement state with the track, allowing independent control of movement restrictions in different directions through simple latch rotation rather than complex multi-component mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A track assembly includes a track and/or a support assembly. The support assembly may be configured for connection with the track. The support assembly may include a housing, a support member, an actuator, a rod, a latch, and/or an engagement portion. The engagement portion may extend from the latch. The engagement portion may be configured to selectively engage an inner surface of the track. The housing may include a longitudinal axis and/or the actuator may be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The latch may include a first position, a second position, and/or a third position. When the latch is in the third position, the engagement portion may be configured not to engage the track. The engagement portion may be configured to contact the track when the latch is in the first position.