A method of guiding a moving object that consists of a "knife" attached to the moving object (ie, a wagon) that slides in a slot in a stationary object (ie, a deck). The knife is typically made of steel, aluminum, or UHMW, 1/4" wide, at least 1.5" long, and its depth may vary according to the space allowed by the construction of the slot.
When designing a knife track, the width and length of the knife should be determined by the amount of lateral force the system will be required to resist and the strength of the material it's made from. The depth of the knife should be determined by the amount the moving object might move towards and away from the track to ensure that the knife cannot pull out of the track. The length of the knife is limited by the geometry of the track. In a straight track, the knife may be virtually any length, but if the track curves then the length of the knife is limited by the width of the track and its minimum radius. The narrower the track or the smaller its radius, the shorter the knife must be.
For purely linear moves, a drive cable may be laid into the slot and run over or through the knives, however care must be taken to ensure that the cable cannot jump out of the groove and is protected from damage by other activity on the deck.
When designing a knife track, the width and length of the knife should be determined by the amount of lateral force the system will be required to resist and the strength of the material it's made from. The depth of the knife should be determined by the amount the moving object might move towards and away from the track to ensure that the knife cannot pull out of the track. The length of the knife is limited by the geometry of the track. In a straight track, the knife may be virtually any length, but if the track curves then the length of the knife is limited by the width of the track and its minimum radius. The narrower the track or the smaller its radius, the shorter the knife must be.
For purely linear moves, a drive cable may be laid into the slot and run over or through the knives, however care must be taken to ensure that the cable cannot jump out of the groove and is protected from damage by other activity on the deck.
