Rack Sliding-Pivot Mechanism With Locking Sequence Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding and pivoting mechanisms in furniture and appliances lack precise control over the sequence of pulling-out and raising/lowering movements, leading to potential mishandling and strain on users, especially when the rack is partially inserted.
Innovation Solution
A sliding and pivoting mechanism with a locking mechanism actuated by an activator on the running rail, featuring a pivotable and resilient bolt guided along a curved path, ensures precise coordination of movement sequences, preventing unwanted pivoting and sliding, and includes a ramp for easy retraction, along with a cover for protection and feedback mechanisms for user awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding and pivoting mechanism is used to pull out and raise a rack, then user accessibility and comfort are improved, but the risk of mishandling and strain increases when the rack is partially inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically lock the rack in a safe intermediate position during the pulling-out movement, before the pivoting action begins. This preliminary locking action prevents the rack from being accidentally raised when partially inserted, eliminating the safety hazard while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the pulling-out movement and the pivoting movement. It controls the sequence by first allowing complete extraction, then enabling pivoting only after the rack is fully pulled out, thus mediating the transition between these two movements to prevent mishandling.
2Ease of operation
If the sequence of pulling-out and raising movement is not precisely controlled, then the mechanism is simpler to operate, but the rack may be raised when still partially inserted causing damage or strain
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism performs a preliminary locking action at a predetermined position during the pulling-out movement. This ensures that the rack is completely extracted before the pivoting movement can begin, providing precise sequence control without complicating the user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides mechanical feedback by engaging at a specific position during the pulling-out movement. This feedback signal indicates that the rack has reached the correct position, automatically preventing premature pivoting and ensuring proper movement sequence without requiring user judgment or complex controls.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to control the movement sequence, then safety and precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing runner system components. The locking element is integrated into the interaction between the guide rail and running rail, combining the locking function with the existing structural elements rather than adding completely separate components, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to operate automatically based on the position of the running rail within the guide rail. It self-activates at the predetermined position during pulling-out and self-deactivates when the rack is fully extracted, eliminating the need for additional actuators, sensors, or complex control systems.
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 precise control over the rack's movement, preventing it from being raised partially inserted, reducing user strain and enhancing accessibility for all users, including those with mobility issues, while maintaining easy operation and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism, which is arranged on the guide rail and on one of the pivot arms, for preventing the running rail from simultaneously sliding and pivoting
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding and pivoting mechanism of a rack of an item of furniture or domestic appliance for extending and raising the rack out of a body of the item of furniture or domestic appliance, having at least two pivoting arms which are fixed rotatably to at least one of the side walls of the body with a first end parallel to the plane of the side walls, and are arranged spaced apart parallel to each other, wherein a guide rail is fixed pivotably to respective second ends of the pivoting arms parallel to the plane of the side walls in such a manner that the guide rail can be pivoted out of a lower position within the body into a raised, upper position at least partially outside the body, and at least one running rail which is displaceable linearly in the guide rail and to which the rack is fastened, wherein the sliding and pivoting mechanism has a locking mechanism which is arranged on the guide rail and on one of the pivoting arms and is actuable by an activator fixed on the running rail in order to prevent a simultaneous pivoting and sliding movement of the running rail.