Rail device and method of assembling the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing rail devices, the elastic force applied to the second rail varies due to non-uniform gaps between the first and second rails, leading to unstable sliding of the console box.

Innovation Solution

A rail device design where the elastic member's elastic portion is plastically deformed using a jig to ensure uniform elastic force application, allowing smooth sliding of the second rail.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the elastic member is coupled to the second rail without plastic deformation of the elastic portion, then the assembly process is simple, but the gap between the first rail and the second rail is non-uniform causing non-uniform elastic force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidgap uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic portion of the elastic member is plastically deformed in advance using a pressing portion of a jig before the second rail is assembled to the first rail. This preliminary deformation ensures that the elastic portion can uniformly contact the inner wall surface of the frame portion, creating uniform gaps and uniform elastic force distribution when the rails are assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the elastic portion is plastically deformed to ensure uniform elastic force, then the sliding stability is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesliding stabilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A jig with a pressing portion is introduced as an intermediary tool to plastically deform the elastic portion of the elastic member. The jig serves as a mediator that applies controlled force to the elastic portion, ensuring uniform deformation and contact with the frame portion's inner wall surface, thereby achieving stable sliding without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the elastic member is designed without pre-deformation, then the device structure is simple, but the elastic force application is non-uniform causing unstable sliding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidsliding smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic portion is plastically deformed in advance during the assembly process using the jig's pressing portion. This preliminary action ensures that when the second rail is assembled to the first rail, the elastic portion uniformly contacts the inner wall surface of the frame portion, providing uniform elastic force and enabling smooth, stable sliding operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 uniform elastic force application ensures stable and smooth sliding of the second rail, enhancing the efficient use of vehicle interior space.

Implementation Method 1

each having at least one elastic portion which is plastically deformed by a pressing portion of a jig assembled to the first rail and is in contact with an inner wall surface of the frame portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

elastic members coupled to the guides and each having at least one elastic portion... configured to elastically support the second rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic support: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4464560B1Rail device and method of assembling the same
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 HYUNDAI TRANSYS INC
  • EP4464560B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4464560B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4464560B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Proposed is a rail device including a first rail (10) having frame portions (11) provided at two opposite sides thereof, and sliding grooves (111) provided in the frame portions, a second rail (20) having guides provided at two opposite sides thereof and configured to conform to the sliding grooves, the guide being configured to be slidable in a state in which the guide is coupled to the sliding groove, and elastic members (30) coupled to the guides and each having at least one elastic portion being in contact with an inner wall surface (11a) of the frame portion and configured to elastically support the second rail.