Guide Rail Fastening Element to Prevent Telescopic Rail Tilting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide rail systems in household appliances, such as ovens and dishwashers, experience poor sliding behavior and tilting issues when attached to side rails, leading to inefficient use of space and requiring narrower food supports for telescopic rails.
Innovation Solution
A guide rail system with rear and front fastening elements that include a support section and a fastening strap, arranged in the plane spanned by the vertical rods, preventing tilting and allowing for secure attachment without protruding beyond the side rail dimensions, utilizing a combination of holding and support sections with a fastening strap that runs parallel to the vertical rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic rails are attached to side rails using existing fastening systems, then the guide rail can be detachably attached at different heights, but tilting of the telescopic rail in the direction of the side wall cannot be reliably prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element introduces a new dimensional constraint by extending the holding section into the space between the vertical rods of the side rail. This third-dimensional positioning (between the rods rather than just on the surface) creates a geometric interlock that prevents tilting while maintaining detachable attachment capability at various heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element acts as an intermediary component between the telescopic rail and the side rail. It transfers and distributes the attachment forces through its holding section that engages with both the horizontal rod and the space between vertical rods, providing stable connection without direct rigid bonding.
2Ease of manufacture
If telescopic extensions are attached to side rails with support surface at a distance from the side rails, then attachment is simplified, but the food supports must be narrower than those used with direct side rail attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is nested within the structural framework of the side rail by positioning its holding section between the vertical rods and engaging the horizontal rod. This nested configuration allows the support surface to extend fully to the side rail dimensions without protruding, maximizing the usable width for food supports.
3Device complexity
If conventional horizontal bars are used for side rails, then the structure is simple, but sliding behavior on the horizontal bars is comparatively poor and additional manual support is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional horizontal bar sliding mechanism with a telescopic extension system that uses rolling elements or sliding surfaces on the telescopic sections. This substitution maintains the simple external side rail structure while internally implementing a refined mechanical system that provides superior sliding behavior and eliminates the need for additional manual support during operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The element (1) has a holding section (2) that partially encompasses an area of a horizontal bar (12) of a side rail (10) in an assembled condition. A support section (3) is connected to the holding section and/or forms a part of the holding section and/or rests on the horizontal bar. A fastening clip (4) is present perpendicular to the support section and connected to the support section for fastening a guide rail (20) to the side rail. The clip is arranged in or parallel to a plane stretched by a vertical bar (11) at a wall side from a longitudinal extension area of the horizontal bar. An independent claim is also included for a guide rail including front and rear fastening elements.