Rail Pull-Out Device Control Element for Correct Release Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users often mistakenly press the front end of the second rail instead of the first rail to release the rail extension device from the cooking appliance component due to the second rail's design, which leads to an insufficient release path and incorrect operation.

Innovation Solution

A clear actuation surface with an embossed marking on the first rail allows users to correctly release the rail pull-out device by pressing the designated area, ensuring the force is applied to the correct component and facilitating the transition from the basic to the removal position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the second rail is designed to be the prominent front component, then the rail extract device appears more accessible and user-friendly, but users mistakenly press the second rail instead of the first rail, leading to incorrect operation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of rail extract deviceVSAvoidCorrect operation of release mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control element acts as an intermediary component between the user and the fastening device. It is attached to the first rail and transmits the user's pressing action to the fastening device, enabling correct operation while maintaining the second rail's prominent position for user accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the second rail serves as the prominent interface for user interaction, while the control element on the first rail handles the actual release function. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific role without causing operational confusion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a stop element is added to limit the relative movement of the rail extract device, then unintentional loosening is prevented, but the movement path becomes shorter than required for proper loosening of the fastening device

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePrevention of unintentional looseningVSAvoidRelease path length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control element serves as a mediator that allows the fastening device to be loosened through a controlled mechanism. When the user presses the control element, it actuates the release of the spring element, enabling the rail extract device to be removed without requiring excessive movement that would bypass the stop element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If an end cap is added to the front of the second rail, then the appearance is improved and the first rail is protected, but the actuation area of the control element becomes hidden and inaccessible

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAppearance and protection of rail structureVSAvoidAccessibility of control element
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control element is positioned on the first rail in a location that is accessible from the side or top dimension, rather than being directly on the front face of the second rail. This dimensional relocation allows the end cap to cover the front area for aesthetic purposes while the control element remains accessible from another direction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution provides a clear and intuitive method for users to release the rail extension device, preventing unintended detachment and ensuring proper operation by clearly indicating the actuation surface and direction, thus enhancing user interaction with the cooking appliance.

Implementation Method 1

The fastening device has a spring element, which forms a springs for the first rail on the cooking device and through the spring element a steamed relative movement of the rail extract device to the cooking device component in relative movement of the two rails to each other can be carried out in the fortified state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3746709B1Arrangement with a rail pull-out device and a cooking appliance component and cooking appliance having such an arrangement
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3746709B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3746709B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Arrangement (14, 15) with a cooking appliance component (16) and a rail pull-out device (17) for a cooking material support, having a first rail (21) which has a securing device (22) for securing the rail pull-out device (17) on the cooking appliance component (16), and having a second rail (24) which is designed to receive the cooking material support, wherein the rails (21, 24) can be moved relative to one another, and the securing device (22) has a spring element (25) which forms a resilient stop for the first rail (21) on the cooking appliance component (16), and by virtue of the spring element (25) it is possible to perform a damped relative movement of the rail pull-out device (17) relative to the cooking appliance component (16) in the relative movement direction of the two rails (21, 24) relative to one another when secured to the cooking appliance component (16), wherein the relative movement is bounded between a basic position and a removal position, a control element (28), for releasing the securing device (22) from the cooking appliance component (16), being arranged on the first rail (21).