Elastic Locking Arm Connection for Push Element Guide Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for push elements and guide rails in furniture and household appliances face challenges in providing a secure, user-friendly, and cost-effective attachment that can withstand installation tolerances and deviations, often requiring complex locking mechanisms and multiple locking members.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a locking arm and elastic attachment members that allows for a secure, detachable connection between a push element and a guide rail, featuring a single-piece design with two attachment members that provide a four-link arrangement for movement, enabling elastic movement and secure coupling despite installation tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms with multiple locking members are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into a locking arm with a single locking member that can assume multiple positions (engaged, disengaged, intermediate). This segmentation allows the single locking member to perform the function of multiple locking members through positional variation, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is designed as a dynamic element that can move between different positions rather than using multiple static locking members. The elastic attachment members enable the locking arm to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate installation tolerances and deviations, providing reliable connection with a simpler structure
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid attachment members are used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to installation tolerances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment members are designed with elastic properties, changing the physical parameter from rigid to elastic. This allows the attachment members to deform elastically within a certain range, accommodating installation tolerances and deviations while maintaining secure connection. The elastic deformation compensates for manufacturing variations without requiring high precision
3Ease of operation
If additional spring elements and complex linkages are added, then the movement control of the locking arm is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic attachment members serve a dual function: they provide structural support and simultaneously provide the elastic force needed for movement control. The locking arm utilizes the elastic deformation of the attachment members to automatically return to its engaged position, eliminating the need for separate spring elements or complex linkages while maintaining ease of operation
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 device ensures a stable and reliable connection between the push element and guide rail, maintaining engagement quality across various positions and tolerances without the need for additional spring elements or complex linkages, facilitating easy installation and decoupling.
Implementation Method 1
the attachment members are elastic, so that the locking arm is movable, for example, displaceable, in the region of the locking member in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extension of the locking arm and in the direction of the attachment members
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connecting a movable push element of a piece of furniture or a household appliance to a guide rail. According to the present invention, the device comprises a locking arm with a locking member, wherein in the mounted condition of the device the locking member is designed to be coupled with a locking element, wherein the elongated locking arm is connected by two spaced-apart elastic attachment members to the remainder of the device, which attachment members engage with the locking arm transversely to a longitudinal extension of the locking arm, so that the locking arm is movable in the region of the locking member in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extension of the locking arm and in the direction of the attachment members.