Pull-Out Guide Side Grate Connector With Low-Force Spring Latching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting devices for fixing pull-out guides to side rails, such as in ovens, require high spring force due to integrally designed leaf springs, making assembly difficult and stressful on the spring element.

Innovation Solution

A separate flexible spring element is used, designed with a longer spring deflection and a bendable structure to reduce locking forces, and can be fixed to the holder using clamping or fasteners, allowing for a more compact and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If an integrally designed leaf spring is used in the connecting device, then the structure is compact and simple, but high spring force is required due to small spring deflection, making assembly difficult and stressful on the spring element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidspring force
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element is divided into two separate components: a holder and a separate spring element. This segmentation allows the spring element to be designed with optimized geometry for larger deflection, reducing the required spring force while maintaining structural simplicity through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the spring element is designed with small spring deflection, then the structure remains compact, but high spring force is necessary to securely lock the quick-release fastener

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring element sizeVSAvoidspring force
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element's geometric parameters are optimized by separating it from the holder, allowing independent design of the spring leg length and cross-section. This enables larger spring deflection with reduced force requirements while maintaining compact overall dimensions through careful parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the spring element is made with high rigidity, then secure locking is achieved, but high material stress occurs on the spring element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidmaterial stress on spring element
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the spring element from the holder, the spring element can be designed with optimized rigidity characteristics. The spring leg can be made sufficiently rigid for secure locking while its geometry is optimized to distribute and reduce material stress during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 reduces material stress on the spring element, enabling easier assembly and secure attachment of the pull-out guide to the side rail with lower required forces, while maintaining stability and transferring horizontal forces effectively.

Implementation Method 1

The spring element (12) is a separate component and comprises a flexible spring leg (15) with which the holder (10) can be locked

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2592968B1Connecting device and side grate for fixing a pull-out guide to said side grate
Publication Date: 2015.10.28 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2592968B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2592968B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2592968B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a connecting device for fixing a pull-out guide (5) to a side grate (1), in particular for baking ovens, comprising a holder (10), which has at least one hook (11) for engaging with a horizontal brace (3) of the side grate (1), and a spring element (12, 12", 12"', 12""), by means of which the holder (10) can be latched to the side grate (1), wherein the spring element (12, 12", 12"', 12"") is designed as a separate component and has a flexible spring leg (15) for latching the holder (10).