Nested Telescopic Components With Ball-Guided Tool-Free Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telescopic elements, particularly in height-adjustable table frames, suffer from imprecise and uneven guidance, necessitating a solution for tool-free adjustment with improved precision and uniformity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a locking device with a locking button and a resilient locking shoe that can snap into recesses, utilizing ball bearings and spring mechanisms for precise adjustment and locking, allowing for tool-free operation and cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional telescopic elements are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the guidance precision and uniformity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic element is divided into outer and inner telescopic elements with distinct functions. The inner element contains guidance balls in longitudinal grooves for precision movement, while the outer element provides structural support and locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall guidance precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Guidance balls are introduced as intermediary elements between the inner and outer telescopic elements. These balls roll within longitudinal grooves, providing smooth and precise guidance during telescopic movement. This intermediary mechanism solves the guidance precision problem while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of basic rolling elements.
2Ease of operation
If conventional telescopic elements are used, then the structure is simple, but tool-free adjustment is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-operating through a spring-loaded button assembly. When the button is pressed, it releases the locking爪 (locking pawl) which then disengages from the positioning holes. The spring automatically returns the button to its locked position after adjustment, enabling tool-free operation without requiring complex external mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning holes are pre-formed at specific intervals along the inner telescopic element, and the locking爪 is pre-configured to engage with these holes. This preliminary preparation of positioning features allows for quick tool-free adjustment, as the user simply needs to press the button and move the element to the desired position rather than creating new positioning features during adjustment.
3Reliability
If conventional telescopic elements are used, then manufacturing cost is low, but locking reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Rounded locking surfaces and curved engagement features are used in the locking mechanism. The locking爪 has curved contact surfaces that engage with rounded positioning holes, distributing stress more evenly and preventing stress concentration that could lead to failure. This curvature-based design improves locking reliability while maintaining simple construction through the use of basic rounded geometries.
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
Enables simple, tool-free adjustment of telescopic elements with enhanced precision and uniformity, reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable locking and adjustment capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least two springs between the locking shoe holder and the locking shoe are provided for exerting the spring force on the locking shoe away from the locking shoe holder transversely to the telescoping direction in the outward direction
Implementation Method 2
each aperture being associated with a ball bearing so disposed on the inner periphery of the inner telescoping member that its balls attack the inside of the outer telescopic element via the respective opening
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Telescopic profile comprises telescopic elements (10, 12) and a locking device with a locking button arranged on the outer element (12) and a locking shoe interacting with the locking button. The locking shoe is arranged inside the inner element (10) and can be locked in locking recesses in a longitudinal opening. Preferred Features: The locking shoe is guided on a holder across the telescopic direction using a bore divided by a central bar and a complementing attachment.