Telescopic Oven Rail Latch for Stable Retracted Position

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telescopic pull-out systems in household appliances, such as ovens, face issues with uncontrolled and automatic extension of telescopic rails, leading to manufacturing complexities and user discomfort, particularly in load-free states where rattling and tilting occur.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic pull-out device with a locking element molded onto the closing part of the telescopic rail, allowing for controlled extension and retraction, featuring a latching element with a ramp surface for secure locking and stabilization, which prevents unintentional movement and enhances manufacturing simplicity and user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a telescopic rail is made detachable for easy installation and cleaning, then ease of manufacture and maintenance is improved, but uncontrolled automatic extension and rattling during transport occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachable attachmentVSAvoiduncontrolled automatic extension
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A locking element is provided that actively prevents the telescopic rail from extending unintentionally during transport and installation. The locking element counteracts the spring force that causes automatic extension, ensuring the rail remains securely in the retracted position until deliberately released by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element acts as an intermediary component between the telescopic rail and the carrier element. It mediates the connection by providing a secure mechanical lock that prevents unwanted movement while allowing controlled extension when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a locking element is added to prevent uncontrolled extension, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrolled extension behaviorVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is integrated with the closing part of the telescopic rail through molding, combining two components into one. This reduces the overall number of separate parts while maintaining the locking function, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element serves multiple functions: it prevents uncontrolled extension, stabilizes the rail during transport, and can be easily released by the user. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.

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

3Ease of operation

If the locking element is exposed for functional access, then ease of operation is improved, but aesthetic appearance and cleaning properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to locking mechanismVSAvoidhomogeneous appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The closing part is designed with differentiated local qualities: the outer surface provides a smooth, homogeneous appearance for aesthetics and easy cleaning, while the inner structure incorporates the locking element functionality. The locking element is accessible through a specifically designed opening or interface that minimizes impact on the overall appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If the first telescopic rail is stabilized perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, then reliability is improved by preventing rattling, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability in retracted positionVSAvoidstabilization mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization function is merged into the locking element itself. The locking element is designed to engage with both the longitudinal and transverse stabilization requirements, providing perpendicular stabilization without requiring a separate stabilization mechanism. This is achieved through the geometric design of the locking and latching elements that naturally constrain movement in multiple directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution ensures controlled behavior of telescopic extension devices, reduces rattling and tilting, simplifies production, and improves cleaning and aesthetic properties by maintaining a homogeneous appearance and minimizing soiling, particularly in cooking appliances with multiple pull-out mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

the telescopic extension device comprises at least one latching element with a ramp surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRamp surface mechanical advantage: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP1902257B1Telescoping pull-out device
Publication Date: 2015.04.08 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP1902257B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1902257B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1902257B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a telescoping pull-out device for household appliances (10) and furniture, especially a pull-out system for an oven. Said device comprises at least one first telescoping rail (12) which is mounted in such a way that it can be displaced between a retracted position and an extended position. The aim of the invention is to provide a telescoping pull-out device in which an uncontrolled and/or undesired automatic extension of the telescoping rail (12) can be prevented. To this end, the telescoping pull-out device comprises at least one catch element (14, 16) for catching the first telescoping rail (12) in the retracted position.