Arm Support Sliding Guide With Integrated Friction and Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding guides for arm supports in vehicles are complex in construction, require many parts, and are difficult to modify or add additional features, leading to issues with adjustability, safety, and corrosion resistance.
Innovation Solution
A sliding guide design with bearing and friction means integrated near the connecting longitudinal edges of the profiles, allowing for a simplified structure with an internal space for additional components, adjustable friction resistance, and enhanced safety features, using fewer parts and potentially lighter materials like aluminum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sliding guide uses a complex construction with many parts (ball bearing cage, rotation damper, tooth rack, wedge-shaped blocks), then the bearing and friction functions are achieved, but the device complexity increases and additional parts cannot be added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bearing means and friction means into a single integrated structure. The bearing means comprises a first bearing element and a second bearing element that work together with the profiles, while the friction means is integrated within the same spatial arrangement. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall construction while maintaining the required bearing and friction functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The profiles are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. They provide structural support, guide the sliding motion, and integrate both the bearing and friction functions within their structure. The connecting longitudinal edges of the profiles serve as both structural elements and as the interface for the bearing and friction means, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If the sliding guide is designed with many parts and complicated construction, then the bearing and friction resistance are provided, but the ease of manufacture decreases and mounting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The friction means is integrated with the bearing means in a unified structure. The friction means comprises friction elements that are positioned and secured within the same assembly as the bearing elements, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the number of assembly steps required.
3Device complexity
If the sliding guide uses a compact design with bearing and friction means between the profiles, then the structure is simplified, but the internal space for additional parts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing means and friction means are arranged in a configuration that utilizes the available space efficiently in three dimensions. The bearing elements and friction elements are positioned at different locations and orientations within the profile assembly, creating an internal space that can accommodate additional parts without increasing the overall footprint or compromising structural simplicity.
4Reliability
If the sliding guide uses wedge-shaped blocks with spring pressure, then the friction resistance is provided, but the device complexity increases and tuning accuracy is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential friction function from the complex wedge-shaped block and spring mechanism and implements it through a simplified friction means integrated with the bearing structure. The friction elements are directly positioned between the profiles or connected to the bearing elements, eliminating the need for separate wedge-shaped blocks and springs while maintaining the required friction resistance.
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 design results in a more flexible, cost-effective, and lightweight sliding guide that can be easily adjusted and adapted for various applications, with reduced assembly errors and improved corrosion resistance, while maintaining smooth operation and reduced noise.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing means comprise a ball bearing cage (14) near both connecting longitudinal edges for guiding the first profile (2) relative to the second profile (3) in the longitudinal direction thereof
Implementation Method 2
The friction means comprise a rotation damper (20) which is fastened to a side of the profile central surface of the first profile (2) that faces the second profile (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding guide, for instance for an arm support (A), comprising at least a first and an at least second profile, with bearing and friction elements included therebetween for providing a particular frictional resistance between the profiles, wherein the profiles are provided with fastening elements, wherein the first and second profiles on both sides in the longitudinal direction are provided with respective connecting longitudinal edges, which cooperate in order to allow sliding of the second profile relative to the first profile, wherein the bearing and the friction elements are provided between the profiles near the respective connecting longitudinal edges thereof in order to provide an internal space (I) between the at least first and the at least second profile. The invention further relates to an arm support (A) provided with such a sliding guide.