Telescoping Pull-Out Guide With Weld-Free Rail Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telescoping pull-out guides for furniture and appliances cannot use surface-coated components, such as painted or powder-coated steel, due to the reliance on welded connections which hinder the use of pre-coated profiles and rails.

Innovation Solution

The connection between the guide rail and fastening elements is achieved through angled webs formed by deformation, which engage with openings in the guide rail, allowing for secure attachment without welding and enabling the use of pre-coated rails, with additional features like angled web formations and holding plates for versatile mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If welded connections are used to attach fastening elements to the guide rail, then the connection strength is improved, but the ability to use surface-coated components is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidcompatibility with surface-coated components
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection is divided into two separate functions: mechanical attachment through punched openings and deformation engagement, and surface coating protection. The fastening element is segmented into a body portion and deformation portions, allowing the coated surface to remain intact while achieving secure mechanical connection through the deformation engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The welding process (thermal-mechanical system) is replaced with a cold-forming deformation system. The deformation portions of the fastening element are mechanically deformed to engage with the guide rail openings, achieving secure attachment without heat input that would damage surface coatings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional welded angle connections are used, then structural stability is improved, but material waste and complex manufacturing are caused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated component: the fastening element simultaneously provides structural support, mechanical attachment through punched openings, and secure engagement through deformation portions. This eliminates the need for separate welded angle brackets and reduces the number of manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process transitions from thermal welding to cold deformation. The deformation portions are formed by plastic deformation at room temperature, enabling cold-forming of steel rails and eliminating welding-related complexity while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If the guide rail is positioned closer to the furniture body, then compactness is improved, but the risk of displacement in pull-out direction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompactnessVSAvoidresistance to displacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation portions are pre-formed in the fastening element before assembly, and the punched openings are pre-created in both the fastening element and guide rail. During assembly, the deformation portions are simply inserted and deformed to engage, providing immediate secure attachment that prevents displacement while maintaining compact positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening element performs self-securing through its deformation portions that are deformed during assembly to engage with the guide rail openings. This self-locking mechanism automatically provides displacement resistance without requiring additional fasteners or complex mounting procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution allows for a compact, stable, and waste-free design that supports the use of surface-coated rails and fastening elements, ensuring secure attachment and compatibility with various furniture types, including refrigerators, while maintaining the integrity of the appliance's structure.

Implementation Method 1

each safety web is formed between two punched-out portions provided in the fastening element and that it engages in an opening in the guide rail by deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP2254443B1Telescoping pull-out guide
Publication Date: 2016.03.09 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2254443B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2254443B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2254443B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a telescoping pull-out guide (10) for an insertable and retractable pull-out from a body of furniture, which comprises a fixed guide rail (12) that is directly or indirectly fixed to the furniture body by means of fastening elements (13, 14, 28, 29, 30, 31). The aim of the invention is to dispense with the use of connecting elements between the fastening elements (13, 14, 28, 29, 30, 31) and the guide rail (12). According to the invention, the connection between the guide rail (12) and each fastening element (13, 14, 28, 29, 30, 31) is formed by at least one angle bar (16, 17), which engages into the through-hole (18, 19) and extends over the adjoining edge region, and by a safety plate (26) positioned in an opening, characterized in that each angle bar (16, 17) is formed by an indentation in the guide rail (12) and the free limb of each angle bar (16, 17) extends over the edge region of the fastening element (13, 14, 28, 29, 30, 31), which adjoins the through-hole (18, 19). The telescoping pull-out guide is particularly suitable for use in a body of home furniture or refrigerators.