Sliding guide and arm support provided with such a sliding guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding guides for arm supports in vehicles are complex in construction, require many parts, and are difficult to modify or add additional features, leading to issues with adjustability, safety, and corrosion resistance.

Innovation Solution

A sliding guide design with bearing and friction means integrated near the connecting longitudinal edges of the profiles, reducing the number of parts and internal space usage, allowing for flexible adjustments and safety provisions, and using a sliding element made of plastic to minimize noise and lubricant dependency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional sliding guide design with separate bearing means and friction means is used, then reliable sliding function is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesliding functionVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines bearing means and friction means into a single integrated component that performs both functions simultaneously. The bearing element provides low-friction sliding while the friction element provides controlled resistance, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable sliding function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated sliding component serves multiple functions: it provides bearing support for smooth movement, friction resistance for controlled positioning, and structural connection between profiles. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed in the sliding guide system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If more parts are added to sliding guide for additional features, then functionality is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding guide is designed as a modular system where profiles and sliding components can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual parts while maintaining the ability to create customized configurations for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding guide incorporates adjustable features that allow the system to be configured dynamically for different applications. The integrated component can accommodate various fastening methods and additional features without requiring complete redesign, enabling easy adaptation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional materials are used for sliding elements, then manufacturing is easier, but noise increases and lubricant dependency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial processingVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding element is made from plastic material that combines ease of manufacturing with low noise operation and reduced lubricant dependency. The plastic material can be molded into complex shapes easily while providing smooth, quiet sliding and inherent self-lubricating properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic sliding element uses a cost-effective material that, while potentially having shorter service life than metal, eliminates the need for expensive lubricants and reduces noise. The material is easily replaceable and manufactured, offsetting any longevity concerns through economic and operational benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 design simplifies assembly, reduces weight, enhances corrosion resistance, and provides a flexible, adjustable sliding guide that can be easily adapted for different applications, including vehicle arm supports, with improved friction control and reduced sensitivity to dirt and temperature.

Implementation Method 1

bearing means for sliding at least two profiles relative to each other over a particular sliding distance and with friction means for providing a certain frictional resistance between the profiles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

friction means for providing a certain frictional resistance between the profiles over at least a portion of the sliding distance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2309895B2Sliding guide and arm support provided with such a sliding guide
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 THOMAS REGOUT INT
  • EP2309895B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2309895B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A sliding guide, for instance for an arm support (A), comprising at least a first (2) and an at least second profile (3), with bearing means (4) and friction means (5) included there between for providing a particular frictional resistance between the profiles (2,3), wherein the profiles (2, 3) are provided with fastening means (6, 7), wherein the first and second profiles (2, 3) on both sides in the longitudinal direction are provided with respective connecting longitudinal edges (8, 9; 10, 11), which cooperate in order to allow sliding of the second profile (3) relative to the first profile, wherein the bearing means (4) and the friction means (5) are provided between the profiles (2, 3) near the respective connecting longitudinal edges (8, 9; 10, 11) thereof in order to provide an internal space (I) between the at least first (2) and the at least second profile (3). The invention further relates to an arm support (A) provided with such a sliding guide (1).