Carriage Slider Assembly With Overload Lobes for Abuse Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carriage assemblies in aircraft cabins have low static load limits, inadequate for many applications, and fail to meet aviation guidelines and standards, particularly in terms of load requirements and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A carriage slider and rail assembly with integrated friction reducing portions and metal overload protection lobes that allow metal-to-metal contact to prevent damage during abuse loads, reducing friction and ensuring functionality under excessive loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If friction reducing portions are added to the slider, then friction is reduced and movement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction reducing portions are integrated into the slider body as a unified structure, combining the slider and friction reduction features into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate friction reduction mechanisms while maintaining movement smoothness.
Solution Approach 2:
Friction reducing portions are strategically placed at specific locations on the slider where contact with the rail occurs. This localized approach reduces friction only where needed, improving movement without adding complexity throughout the entire device.
2Reliability
If overload protection lobes are added to prevent damage during abuse loads, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overload protection lobes are pre-positioned on the slider in a retracted state during normal operation. When excessive loads are applied, these lobes automatically engage with the rail to prevent damage. This preliminary positioning ensures protection is ready before abuse occurs without requiring active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The overload protection lobes act as pre-configured protective elements that engage before catastrophic failure can occur. They provide a mechanical limit that prevents the slider from traveling beyond safe boundaries under abuse loads, cushioning the system against extreme forces.
3Strength
If metal overload protection lobes are used instead of plastic, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Only the critical overload protection lobes are made of metal, while the rest of the slider body can be made of lighter materials. This localized use of metal provides the necessary strength for load protection without increasing the weight of the entire moving assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider assembly uses a combination of materials - metal for the overload protection lobes requiring high strength, and potentially lighter materials for other portions of the slider. This composite approach optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio by applying heavy materials only where absolutely necessary.
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 assembly provides enhanced load-bearing capacity, meets aviation standards, and maintains functionality by preventing damage to the carriage slider, while reducing cost and weight.
Implementation Method 1
one or more friction reducing portions may be integrated within a portion of the slider
Implementation Method 2
metal overload protection lobes that allow metal-to-metal contact to prevent damage during abuse loads
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A carriage slider and rail assembly is disclosed. The assembly may include a linear rail (102) including one or more surfaces that define a channel. The assembly may include a carriage slider sub-assembly (108). The sub-assembly may include a slider configured to be axially displaceable within the channel of the linear rail (102). The sub-assembly may include one or more overload protection lobes (120) including a first overload protection lobe positioned adjacent to a first end of the slider and a second overload protection lobe positioned adjacent to a second end of the slider. The sub-assembly may include one or more friction reducing portions (118). The overload protection lobes (120) may make contact with the channel of the linear rail (102) when an abuse load is applied to provide overload protection. The overload protection lobes (120) may be configured to not make contact with the channel of the linear rail (102) when an abuse load is not applied.