Pullout Guide With Lowerable Support Element to Prevent Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pullout guides have limitations in guide quality and risk of jamming due to the support roller projecting upwards, restricting the length of the track for rolling elements and reducing the maximum support width.
Innovation Solution
A support element on the middle rail is movably mounted to support the running rail on the guide rail, allowing it to be lowered, enabling the use of installation space above the support element and extending the track length for rolling elements, with a bearing block and approach slope ensuring smooth movement and preventing jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support roller projects upwards from the middle rail, then it can support the running rail on the guide rail in the retracted position, but the rolling elements can only be moved as far as the support roller, limiting the track length and reducing the maximum support width
Solution Approach 1:
The support roller is made movable instead of fixed, allowing it to change position dynamically. In the retracted position, it projects upwards to support the running rail. During extension, it is pushed down by the approach slope, clearing the path for rolling elements to travel further along the extended track, thus increasing the maximum support width while maintaining guide quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The approach slope acts as an intermediary mechanism between the running rail and the support roller. It transfers the movement force from the extending running rail to the support roller, automatically lowering it when needed and raising it back when the pullout guide is retracted, enabling the support roller to clear the track for extended rolling element movement.
2Reliability
If the support roller projects upwards from the middle rail, then it can support the running rail, but jamming can occur at the support roller
Solution Approach 1:
The support roller is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. When the pullout guide extends, the approach slope pushes the support roller downward, clearing it from the track path and preventing jamming. When retracted, it automatically returns to the upward position to provide support, thus eliminating jamming while maintaining the support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The support roller is designed to automatically lower itself when the running rail extends over it, using the approach slope to push it down. It then automatically returns to its support position when the pullout guide is retracted, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms and preventing jamming through self-adjustment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support element is fixed in the raised position, then it provides stable support, but the installation space above the support element cannot be utilized and the track for rolling elements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support element transitions from a fixed to a dynamic design. It maintains stable support in the retracted position when raised, but can be lowered when extension is needed, allowing the installation space above it to be utilized for extended track length and greater maximum support width, thus achieving both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element serves multiple functions: it provides stable support in the retracted position when raised, and clears the track for extended rolling element movement when lowered. This multi-functionality allows the same component to serve both support and space-clearing purposes, maximizing installation space utilization.
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 guide quality by increasing the maximum support width and preventing jamming, allowing the rolling elements to move further without obstruction, while maintaining smooth operation during extension and retraction.
Implementation Method 1
a middle rail (3), which is held movably on the guide rail via first rolling elements (7), which are arranged in a first rolling element cage (8)
Implementation Method 2
a running rail (2), which is held movably on the middle rail via second rolling elements (5), which are arranged in a second rolling element cage (6)
Data Source
AI summary
A pullout guide comprises a stationary guide rail which can be fixed to a body, a middle rail which is movably held on the guide rail via first rolling elements arranged in a first rolling element cage, a running rail which is movably held on the middle rail via second rolling elements arranged in a second rolling element cage, and an opening on the middle rail for a support element, which, in a retracted position of the pullout guide, supports the running rail on the guide rail, the support element being mounted on the middle rail such that it can be lowered. In this case, the opening for the support element can be passed over by at least one second rolling element. This allows the support of the running rail to be optimized.