Integrated Rail Locking Element With Adjustable Friction Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for locking and adjusting the kinetic force in telescopic rails and linear guides require separate, complex, and costly components, which are not adaptable to different rail systems and are prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing that integrates a locking bolt and latching force spring, along with a friction element and friction force spring, supported by a housing with a housing wall and cover, allowing for independent adjustment of locking and movement forces, using spiral springs and a pulling device for external operation of the locking bolt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locking systems and force adjustment systems are used, then locking ability and force adjustability are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking system and force adjustment system into a single integrated device. The housing contains both the locking bolt with latching force spring and the friction element with friction force spring, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing the number of individual parts while maintaining both locking ability and force adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides locking capability through the locking bolt that can engage with recesses at different positions, and it allows force adjustment through the friction element. This multi-functional design makes the device adaptable to various telescopic rail and linear guide applications without requiring system-specific configurations
2Reliability
If separate locking and force adjustment systems are used, then desired functions are achieved, but manufacturing and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the locking system and force adjustment system into one integrated housing, the patent reduces manufacturing steps and assembly operations. The housing can be produced as a single component or pre-assembled unit, eliminating the need to separately manufacture and then assemble multiple independent systems, thereby reducing both manufacturing and assembly costs
3Reliability
If separate locking and force adjustment systems are used, then desired functions are achieved, but space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of both systems into a single housing significantly reduces the space required. Instead of having separate locking mechanisms and force adjustment mechanisms that would occupy distinct spaces, the patent consolidates all components within one compact housing that can be mounted on the rail element
Solution Approach 2:
The housing contains nested components: the locking bolt and latching force spring are housed within the main housing, and the friction element with its friction force spring is also contained within the same housing. This nested arrangement maximizes space efficiency by utilizing the internal volume of the housing for multiple functional components
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 device provides a compact, cost-effective solution for locking and force adjustment in telescopic rails and linear guides, allowing for independent definition of forces and compatibility with various rail systems, while maintaining stability and tolerating component variations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one latching force spring (4), which is supported on the housing and prestresses the locking bolt (5) against the second of the rail elements (10)
Implementation Method 2
at least one friction element (7) and at least one friction force spring (6), which is supported on the housing and presses the friction element, prestressed, against the second of the rail elements (10)
Implementation Method 3
at least one friction force spring (6), which is supported on the housing and presses the friction element, prestressed, against the second of the rail elements (10)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for releasably locking two rail elements (10, 11) of a telescopic rail or a linear guide, which are mounted so that they can move relative to one another, and for setting the kinetic force to be applied for the process, with a housing (1) which is mounted on a first of the rail elements ( 11), at least one locking bolt (5) and at least one latching force spring (4), which is supported on the housing and prestresses the locking bolt (5) in the direction of the second of the rail elements (10) that are mounted such that they can be moved, at least one friction element (7 ) and at least one friction force spring (6), which is supported on the housing and presses the friction element (7) against the second of the rail elements (10), which are mounted such that they can be moved relative to one another.