Slidable T-Slot Mounting Hardware With Rotating Oblong Nut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slidable mounting hardware for electronic equipment enclosures faces issues such as snagging, difficulty in adjustment, lack of electrical bonding, and visibility problems due to hidden components, which hinder efficient installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A hardware assembly comprising a spring retainer and a hardware component with cam bosses and cutting ribs, allowing for secure positioning and adjustment within T-slot channels, while providing electrical bonding and visual indicators for proper installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional square head bolts are used in T-slot channels, then the mounting hardware can be simple in structure, but the bolts easily become snagged and do not slide freely for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt head is designed with an oblong shape that can rotate within the T-slot channel, transitioning from a sliding state during adjustment to a locked state when positioned. This dynamic capability allows the same component to perform both free movement and secure positioning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The oblong bolt head features asymmetric geometry with a long axis aligned with the T-slot channel. This asymmetric shape prevents snagging on channel edges while enabling rotation to a transverse orientation that blocks inadvertent removal, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and ease of adjustment.
2Device complexity
If the hardware component is fully received within the channel, then the mounting appears clean and compact, but it becomes difficult to connect equipment and accessories without direct view of nut position
Solution Approach 1:
The spring retainer is pre-assembled with the bolt or nut before insertion into the T-slot channel. This preliminary assembly ensures proper positioning and orientation is established beforehand, making the component visible and accessible during installation while maintaining a clean appearance when installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring retainer acts as an intermediary component that bridges the bolt/nut and the T-slot channel. It provides a visible interface for installation while securing the fastening component within the channel, resolving the contradiction between compact appearance and installation visibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If painted or coated surfaces are used on mounting rails, then the appearance is improved and corrosion is prevented, but electrical bonding between the bolt and channel cannot be facilitated
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt or nut incorporates cutting ribs that concentrate mechanical force at specific localized points on the T-slot channel surface. These localized cutting actions penetrate the painted or coated surface to create metal-to-metal contact, enabling electrical bonding while preserving the overall protective coating on the mounting rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting ribs are segmented features distributed around the bolt or nut perimeter. This segmentation allows multiple discrete cutting points to be created, ensuring reliable electrical bonding paths through the coating while maintaining the integrity and appearance of the painted surface elsewhere.
4Adaptability or versatility
If drop-in spring nuts are used, then the hardware can be installed after enclosure assembly, but the spring force prevents free sliding within the channel for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The spring retainer is designed with flexible spring arms that can dynamically adjust their compression state. During adjustment, the spring arms are temporarily compressed to reduce friction and allow free sliding. Once positioned, the spring arms expand to provide retaining force, enabling both post-installation flexibility and adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring force is calibrated to provide partial retention during normal operation rather than excessive force that would prevent movement. This partial action allows the hardware to be securely held in position while still permitting adjustment when necessary, resolving the contradiction between post-installation capability and adjustability.
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
Enables secure, adjustable, and electrically bonded mounting solutions that prevent inadvertent removal and facilitate easy installation and maintenance by ensuring clear visibility and metal-on-metal contact.
Implementation Method 1
Each spring arm is deflectable and engages a respective one of the cam bosses to clamp the hardware component within the spring retainer
Implementation Method 2
The cutting ribs are configured to cut through a painted surface within the T-slot channel to establish metal-on-metal contact between the hardware component and the T-slot channel
Data Source
AI summary
A hardware assembly for installation in a slide-type mounting rail of an electronic equipment enclosure includes a spring retainer and a generally oblong nut received at least partially within the spring retainer. The spring retainer includes a rear wall and a deflectable spring arm extending in a forward direction from each of first and second opposed ends of the rear wall, with each spring arm extending at least partially inward toward the other spring arm. The nut includes a plurality of cam bosses arranged at a front-facing side thereof. Upon receipt of the clamped nut within a T-slot channel of the slide-type mounting rail, the nut is rotatable relative to the spring retainer to be positionable transversely within the T-slot channel, thereby obstructing the nut from inadvertent separation from the slide-type mounting rail.