The Ultimate Guide to Quick-Change Track Lock Systems

• June 04th, 2024
• Categories: Uncategorised

Do you have an important engineering task that requires the use of track-locking systems? With Quick-Change Track Lock Systems, you can experience an efficient track fastener that is easily handled without tooling. 

Designed to meet the MS33601 or AS33601 standards, these are widely used in the transportation and railways industry to ensure compliance between track and fitting. 

This article will explore the definition of quick-change track lock systems, the types of systems used for different projects, and how these components are critical to sectors that rely on heavy-duty fasteners and tooling.

Definition of Quick-Change Track Lock Systems

What are the advantages of these systems, and how can you use them for your next engineering project? Let’s take a look.

• These systems can be universally used with any change of cabin layout.
• A quick-change track lock system quickens the installation and removal process.
• The system can be operated with one hand and includes a security locking handle.
• No tools are required, zero loose parts are involved, and short downtimes are critical to the transport industry.

The QCTLS is ideal for fixations of seats, wardrobes, galleys, wall dividers, toilets,  galleys, doghouses, tables, and ambulance stations. 

The stowages can also be equipped with a quick-change track lock system, allowing flexible use of the doghouse. Move them easily to different locations in the cabin and cross across the aircraft type!

Components of Quick-Change Track Lock Systems

What are the important parts of these systems used for industries such as construction, manufacturing, and entertainment to quickly and securely detach and attach equipment or components to a track? 

• Track. As the base structure in which the system operates, this could be a rail, channel, or similar structure that provides a pathway for the locking mechanism.
• The locking mechanism. Attached to the track, these locks are in place to hold the component or equipment. This often includes cams, levers, or clamps that create a stable connection. 
• Release mechanism. Releasing the lock swiftly by a button, lever, or other mechanism, disengages the locking mechanism from the track.
• Mounting bracket. Also called a plate, track attachments often need this bracket, which interfaces with the locking system. 
• Adjustment features. As some quick-change systems provide these to accommodate different equipment sizes, clamps or sliding mounts can be customised for a range of setups!
• Safety features. Locking indicators may be built into the system to show when it is fully engaged. Failsafe mechanisms are also common in the case of accidental releases. 
• Durable. This includes corrosive-resistant materials, heavy-duty construction, and precision engineering for long-lasting performance in demanding environments!

Types of Track Lock Systems

What types of track lock systems can you come across? Due to geometrical constraints, some tracks may have smaller inner dimensions. 

These track lock systems listed below are designed for tracks according to the standards MS33601 or AS33601.

Always consult a fastening and tooling professional for compliance with fittings when using tracks other than heavy-duty sections.

Parallel track

These parallel parts include fitting application-double studs, walls, or structure members parallel to the track. An attachment to the interior item is established via a flange. 

A load distribution plate is recommended if the fitting needs to be integrated into a honeycomb structure.

Doghouse

The fitting application of this double stud is designed for pallet systems where only one-side locking access is available. A left and right system is offered with an inboard and outboard locker–An attachment to an interior item pallet, bottom panel, or bottom structure–is solved by stand-off blogs.

IN-252

The fitting application stud per locker is designed for doghouse fixations where a single actuator operates 4 or 6 lockers. The customer can choose the dimensions of A, B, and C. Since the unit runs in an extrusion profile, dimension C can be adapted to different seat track y- y-distances. This design detail allows the integration of the interior items into different aircraft without changing the parts.

Flexible panel parts

QCT-252-31D-501

Designed for walls or interiors without fixed track direction, the thread on top size is to be determined by the fixation of rounded structures. Quickly accessible and easy to locate, you can easily shift the track direction without any tools. A similar model is the QCT-252-30S, which can also be used for showers.

Cross parts

CHF-106LH-501/502

With a double-stud fitting application designed for medical care stations or other cross-track items, the L/H fitting is mounted on a y-profile and is adjustable in a certain range (+/-5″).

This design figure allows the usage of the care station in different aircraft due to its flexible, adjustable fitting. Dimension C (height above the track) allows high-floor carpets.

CHB-107LS/RS

With a single stud fitting application, this is designed for cross-to-x direction walls/structures where lower loads will be transferred. Stand-off bolts solve the attachment to the interior item. A left and right type is available.

Flat-panel parts

BP-103LH

With a double-stud fitting application, these parts are designed for use on thick bottom panels consisting of honeycomb, aluminium, or glass-reinforced plastics such as cabinets, stowage houses, galleys, credenza, toilets, and doghouses where access is provided from inside the cabinet. Other models include the BP-104-80D-501 and BP-104/80D-503.

SP108-501/503

This single stud fitting application is designed for lower loads with a base plate where equipment or other low-weight items are QC-fixed in an aircraft. Locking or unlocking is achieved through a coin turning the locker wheel at 180 degrees.

BP108-501

Similar to the SP108-501/503 model, this shape is made for integration in a 1/2-inch honeycomb panel or aluminium panels. It can be used on all spots where standard tracks are available, such as the floor, side wall, or ceiling. BP108 is specially designed for QC-fixations of equipment in mission or ambulance aircraft.

QC-HP-110

This part covers quick change panel fitting for flat panel applications on helicopter floors, equipped with pan fitting as per the MS21234/MS21235 standards.

Are you an aerospace engineer, or work in the marine industry? Read up on aerospace and defence testing and approval and everything you need to know!

Seat systems

W-202-252

As a fitting application designed for seat legs-forward and aft-attachment, this connects forward and aft stud assy with a brace that incorporates the locking lever. Depending on the seat leg design structure, the customer may choose a hidden locking system. Aft stud assy comprises a triple stud in combination with a ball bearing. Length can also be customised.

OHB-252-100

The fitting application for installing multi-shape devices on standard seat tracks on the floor or wall. Dimensions A, B, and C can be customised to customer requests by providing a double stud up to 2000 daN per side on each side. A single side is operational for locking.

Wall Divider Systems

BH-252

This is a conventional track attachment designed for bulkhead  QC application. It consists of an inboard actuating unit, a connecting rod, a locker per track, a built-in anti-rattle, 1/2 inch shifting, and a connecting rod.

The QCTL System is flexible for different lateral track locations, and on the lower edge of the bulkhead, a small channel provides space to fit the system.

Hole Application

QCH-500

This is a fitting application designed for all interior items to be fixed in all directions on titanium racks with holes 0.4375 (11, 1mm) diameter and 1″ (24, 4mm) spacing.

Applied Fasteners and Tooling – Quick-Change Track Lock System

Whether your project requires galley, medical or defence related anchor points , Applied Fasteners and Tooling have everything you need for a double track or express track.

Meeting the Quality Assurance Procurement Requirements, we supply cable tie mounts, a cable drum dispenser, Click Bond fasteners, motorsport fasteners, Avibank ball lok pins, honeycomb inserts, or aircraft tools.

Experience same-day global shipping and automatic inventory replenishment, custom manufacturing capability, and stocking distribution system with over 60,000 products! 

Contact us today for customised packaging and kitting, inspection and quality control, and technical expertise for the defence, transportation, aerospace, marine, electrical, industrial, mining and heavy-duty industries that rely on the highest performance.