Slide extractor braking system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current slide extractor systems experience rapid retraction issues, leading to loud noises, damage, and potential injuries due to high speeds, which result in premature failure and do not meet desired lifetime ranges, especially under 2000 cycles.

Innovation Solution

The integration of magnets within the slide extractor system to create eddy currents between conductive materials, converting kinetic energy into magnetic energy and heat, thereby providing a controlled braking action during retraction, reducing speed and associated issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the retraction element is released to retract rapidly, then the retraction speed increases, but this causes loud noises, damage to components, and potential injuries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretraction speedVSAvoidnoise and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical braking system with an electromagnetic braking system. Magnets are integrated into the slide extractor to create eddy currents that generate braking force, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and reducing noise and damage while controlling retraction speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary braking mechanism between the retraction element and the final position. The electromagnetic brake acts as an intermediary force that gradually slows down the retraction element, preventing direct impact and reducing harmful effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If mechanical braking is used to slow retraction, then noise and damage are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and damageVSAvoidbraking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical braking components with a simpler electromagnetic braking system using magnets and eddy currents, reducing the number of moving parts and maintenance requirements while achieving the same noise and damage reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic braking system is self-regulating and requires no external control mechanisms. The braking force is automatically generated through eddy currents as the retraction element moves through the magnetic field, eliminating the need for additional control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 eddy current braking system slows down the retraction process, minimizing noise, damage, and injuries, while ensuring reliable operation and extending the system's lifespan by reducing mechanical wear and improving handle return consistency.

Implementation Method 1

The working principle uses eddy currents created between magnets and a conductive material in order to convert kinetic into magnetic energy and heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 2

The working principle uses eddy currents created between magnets and a conductive material in order to convert kinetic into magnetic energy and heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The working principle uses eddy currents created between magnets and a conductive material in order to convert kinetic into magnetic energy and heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3450317B1Slide extractor braking system
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 SAFRAN CABIN NETHERLANDS NV
  • EP3450317B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3450317B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3450317B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to improved braking systems for slide extractors. Slide extractors are generally used in aircraft galleys in order to move containers forward. The disclosed slide extractor braking system (30) provides cooperation between magnets (38) and corresponding conductive material in order to manage and appropriately slow retraction of the slide extractor in use.