Drawer Slide End Stop Structure for Secure Rail Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pull-out guides for drawers face challenges in easy installation and permanent absorption of stop forces, with complex assembly processes and a risk of end stop detachment due to high forces acting on the web and recess.
Innovation Solution
The pull-out guide features an end stop inserted into a slot on the center rail, secured via latching means, allowing for simple assembly and distribution of forces, with a design that includes U-shaped sections and material filling for compressive support and projections for secure latching, and made of elastomeric material for damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a web and recess structure is used for the end stop, then the end stop can be mounted on the rail, but the assembly becomes complex and the risk of detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end stop is divided into a first U-shaped section for mounting on the rail and a second U-shaped section for providing the stop function. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the first section provides simple attachment while the second section provides the stopping function, avoiding the need for complex web-recess fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The end stop is inserted into a slot of the center rail, with the first U-shaped section enclosing the rail and the second U-shaped section containing material filling. This nested structure allows the end stop to be securely retained on the rail while maintaining simple assembly - the end stop fits into the slot without requiring precise web-recess fitting.
2Strength
If a large stop surface is used to distribute forces, then the end stop can better absorb stop forces, but the end stop becomes more complex to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The end stop is inserted into a slot of the center rail, creating a nested structure that simplifies assembly. The first U-shaped section encloses the rail while the second U-shaped section provides the stop surface, allowing a large force-distributing surface to be achieved without complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The end stop includes material filling in the second U-shaped section, creating a composite structure that provides both structural integrity for force distribution and simplified assembly. The material filling enhances the stop surface while the overall nested design maintains assembly simplicity.
3Strength
If rigid end stop structure is used, then the stop function is effective, but loud impact noise occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The end stop incorporates material filling in the second U-shaped section, creating a composite structure that combines rigid structural elements for effective stopping with damping material to reduce impact noise. This allows the end stop to maintain its stop function while minimizing harmful noise generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The end stop is preferably made of an elastomeric material, changing the physical parameter of the material from rigid to elastic. This allows the end stop to effectively limit rail travel while dampening impact forces and reducing loud impact noise through the elastomeric properties.
4Reliability
If the end stop is securely locked to prevent detachment, then reliability improves, but the latching mechanism adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The end stop is segmented into two U-shaped sections, with the first section providing the latching function by enclosing the rail and the second section providing the stop function. This segmentation allows secure locking to be achieved through the simple geometric configuration of the U-shaped sections rather than complex latching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The end stop structure itself provides the latching function through its U-shaped geometry that encloses the rail, rather than requiring separate latching components. The first U-shaped section naturally locks onto the rail through its enclosing shape, making the end stop self-latching without additional complexity.
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
This solution enables easy installation, secure hold, and effective absorption of stop forces, reducing the risk of detachment and loud impact noise through secure alignment and damping of the rails.
Implementation Method 1
the end stop is preferably made of an elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
For sufficient damping, the end stop is preferably made of an elastomeric material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4B
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The guide (1) has a guide rail (2) fixed at a furniture body, and a movable pull rail. A central rail (3) is provided between the pull rail and the guide rail. The rails are supported over a roller body and are movable relative to each other. Internal and external roller body tracks (6, 8) are formed at the rails, and a pulling movement of the rails is limited by elastic end stops. Each end stop is fitted at a slot of the rails and is held at the rails by a locking unit. The end stop partially surrounds the rails, and a fastening surface is supported at the rails.