Guide Rail Clamp Layout for Space-Saving Quick Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick-action fastening devices for guide rails on horizontally extending rods result in a bulky structure, protruding into the interior space and limiting the usable area, especially in household appliances like ovens.

Innovation Solution

A compact quick-action fastening device with clips that include U-shaped receptacles and plate-shaped stops, allowing secure attachment closer to the post, enabling the guide rail to be positioned further out and reducing the need for internal fastening points, while maintaining stability and allowing easy assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If clamp-like holding sections encompass the bent end section and the area of a rod running in the longitudinal direction, then simple assembly from the front side is enabled, but the structure becomes relatively large on the inside

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidinternal structure size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The holding section is divided into two functional parts: a clamp-like portion that grips the bent end section and a separate stop that contacts the post. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall volume while maintaining assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stop is positioned to contact the post in a direction perpendicular to the rod's longitudinal axis, utilizing a different spatial dimension for the fastening function. This eliminates the need for the holding section to extend along the rod's length, thereby reducing internal structure size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If fastening points are distributed along the longitudinal extent of the rod, then stable attachment is achieved, but the fastening is positioned further from the post, reducing usable interior space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidusable interior space
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The stop function is extracted from the clamp-like holding section and implemented as a separate component that contacts the post directly. This allows the fastening to be positioned at the outer wall near the post, maximizing usable interior space while maintaining stability through the stop's direct post contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The stop acts as an intermediary element between the quick-action fastening device and the post, providing stable attachment at the outer wall position. This intermediary component enables the guide rail to be positioned further out while maintaining connection stability through the stop's engagement with the post.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If a U-shaped holder is used to absorb tensile forces, then both forces in the direction of the post and tensile forces are managed, but the bracket requires insertion between the post and side wall, increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce absorption capabilityVSAvoidbracket installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stop is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides a bearing surface for forces in the direction of the post and simultaneously absorbs tensile forces through its engagement with the post. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The stop can be designed in different configurations (plate-shaped or U-shaped) depending on the specific force requirements. The U-shaped variant provides enhanced tensile force absorption capability, while the plate-shaped version offers simpler installation. This parameter flexibility allows optimization based on specific application needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2403380B1Quick-fixing device
Publication Date: 2014.12.17 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2403380B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2403380B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2403380B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The invention relates to a quick fastening device for fastening a guide rail (6) to a horizontally extending rod (3), which comprises one bent end section (4) at each opposite side, wherein the end sections are fixed to posts (2) of a grate-like side part (1), wherein at least one bent end section (4) is encompassed by a clamp (10, 20, 20', 30, 30', 40, 50, 60, 60', 70, 80) that is connected to the guide rail (6), wherein a stop (12, 17, 17', 31, 31', 42, 51, 64, 64' 72, 82) lying against a post (2) on the side facing the guide rail (6) is formed on at least one clamp (10, 20, 20', 30, 30', 40, 50, 60, 60', 70, 80).