Guiding rail and transport container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing guiding rails for transport and storage containers lack efficient mechanisms to prevent sliding elements from unintentionally escaping while allowing for easy replacement and assembly, which complicates logistics and increases wear on components.

Innovation Solution

A guiding rail with a movable blocking element that can selectively control the passage of sliding elements, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement without the need for complex designs or disassembly, featuring a blocking portion that moves between blocking and non-blocking positions to manage the passage within the guiding channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If end caps are mounted to prevent sliding elements from escaping, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of sliding elementsVSAvoidcomplexity of guiding rail system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is integrated directly into the guiding rail structure, merging the function of preventing sliding element escape with the guiding rail itself. This eliminates the need for separate end caps while maintaining security, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding rail incorporates its own blocking function through the integrated blocking element, making the system self-sufficient. The blocking element is part of the guiding rail's inherent structure, eliminating the need for additional components to perform the same function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If separate blocking elements are mounted onto insert-free portions, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of sliding elementsVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking function is merged into the guiding rail's inherent structure through the integrated blocking element. This eliminates the need for separate mounting operations and makes the guiding rail ready-to-use upon installation, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex designs with mountable/demountable parts are used, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of guiding rail systemVSAvoidease of manufacturing guiding rail

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is integrated directly into the guiding rail structure, merging multiple functions into a single component. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding rail with integrated blocking element serves multiple functions: guiding sliding elements, preventing their escape, and providing structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12258174B2Guiding rail and transport container

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 CONTEYOR INT NV

AI summary

In a first aspect, the invention concerns a guiding rail comprising a guiding channel having a slit opening. The guiding rail is further provided with one or more sliding elements, and a blocking element coupled to the guiding rail. In particular, a blocking portion of the blocking element is movable between first and second positions. In further aspects, the invention discloses a transport container provided with such guiding rails, and a blocking element for such guiding rails.