External Latching Structure for Pull-Out Guide Spring Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pull-out guides for household appliances, such as ovens, face challenges with inaccessible and fragile spring elements used for latching, which are difficult to maintain and prone to damage due to their internal location and filigree design.
Innovation Solution
The pull-out guide features a latching device with a spring element and engagement element positioned externally, allowing easy access and replacement, and uses flexible and dimensionally stable components that can be adjusted for varying latching forces, with the option to coat with lubricants for smooth operation and integrate with the running rail for reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring elements are placed inside the pull-out guide in closed position, then the latching function is provided, but the spring elements become difficult to access and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the spring element and engagement element on the outside of the pull-out guide in the closed position, rather than inside. This allows easy access for maintenance and replacement while maintaining the latching function, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of repair
2Reliability
If filigree spring elements are used in limited space, then the latching function is achieved, but the components become prone to damage in continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the spring element by providing it with a larger cross-sectional area and more substantial construction compared to filigree elements. This allows the spring element to withstand continuous operational stresses while maintaining the latching function, resolving the contradiction between reliability and strength
3Device complexity
If the engagement element is formed integrally with the running rail, then the number of components is reduced, but the latching forces become fixed and less adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustability to the latching system by allowing the engagement element to be positioned at different locations on the running rail or by providing adjustable spring element characteristics. This enables adaptation to different latching force requirements while maintaining a relatively simple component structure, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and adaptability
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
This design enhances accessibility and durability, reduces wear, and allows for adjustable latching forces, ensuring reliable and long-term smooth operation with reduced torsional forces on the rail, thus improving the overall functionality and longevity of the pull-out guide.
Implementation Method 1
The spring element is flexible and the engagement element is designed to be dimensionally stable. The spring element can be designed as a vertical web that is pivoted outwards or inwards.
Implementation Method 2
The spring element can be bent by the engagement element in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the running rail. The spring element can be bent inwards or outwards in order to achieve locking.
Implementation Method 3
For example, the spring element and/or the engagement element are coated with a lubricant at least in certain areas. As a result, smooth locking can be ensured for long-term use of the locking device.
Implementation Method 4
Alternatively, the spring element and/or the engagement element can be provided with a sliding element made of a heat-resistant material with good sliding properties, for example PEEK or LCP.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pull-out slide (1) comprises a guide rail (4) that can be fixed and a movably mounted running rail (2), between which a central rail (3) is optionally arranged, with at least one latching device for detachably fixing the running rail (2) to the guide rail (4). is provided and the locking device comprises a spring element (10, 30) and an engagement element (20), wherein the at least one locking device with the spring element (10, 30) and the engagement element (20) on an outside of the pull-out guide (1) in a defined Position is arranged.