One-Piece Sliding Shoe Assembly for Quiet Locking Tongues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for housings and cabinets face issues with noise-dampening loss due to worn-off plastic coatings, complex assembly of multi-part plug-in elements, and potential assembly errors, which increase storage and tooling costs.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece sliding shoe made of thermoplastic materials like polyamide or polyoxymethylene, with a base section, wall sections, and a cover section, featuring molded latching means and a resilient guide area, that securely engages with the locking tongue for improved sliding properties and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic paint is applied to the tongue area for noise dampening, then noise-dampening ability is improved, but the coating is rubbed off during constant opening and closing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a plastic coating (such as polyethylene or polypropylene) to the tongue area that is designed to be replaceable. When the coating wears off from constant friction during opening and closing operations, it can be easily removed and replaced with a new coating, rather than replacing the entire component. This resolves the contradiction by accepting the limited lifespan of the coating while maintaining continuous noise-dampening functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multi-part plug-in elements are used on the locking tongue, then noise-dampening and sliding properties are improved, but assembly complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (noise dampening, sliding protection, and structural support) into a single integrated plastic coating component that is applied directly to the locking tongue. This eliminates the need for separate multi-part plug-in elements, thereby reducing assembly complexity and storage requirements while maintaining the noise-dampening and sliding properties.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multi-part plug-in elements are used for assembly, then noise-dampening function is achieved, but assembly errors may occur due to rotated positioning
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the noise-dampening function into a single plastic coating applied directly to the locking tongue surface, the patent eliminates the need for separate plug-in elements that could be mistakenly assembled in rotated positions. The coating is applied in a continuous process that ensures proper orientation and positioning, thereby preventing assembly errors while maintaining the noise-dampening function.
4Device complexity
If a one-piece sliding shoe is used instead of multi-part elements, then assembly is simplified and costs are reduced, but the structure must accommodate complex geometric contours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses injection molding technology to manufacture the one-piece sliding shoe from thermoplastic materials. By changing the manufacturing parameters (temperature, pressure, injection rate) during the molding process, the single component can be produced to accommodate complex geometric contours and different locking tongue designs. This resolves the contradiction by enabling manufacturing flexibility through parameter adjustment rather than requiring multiple specialized parts.
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 enhances the sliding properties between the frame and locking tongue, prevents damage to the lacquered surface, simplifies assembly, reduces costs, and avoids assembly errors, while providing a noise-dampening function and easy recyclability.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient section which elastically encompasses parts of the locking tongue
Implementation Method 2
If there are higher sliding properties or more severe environmental conditions, polyoxymethylene (POM) can be used as an alternative material, as this material is characterized by particularly favorable and low friction values
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
Disclosed is a single-piece plastic sliding block, in particular for locking tongues of fittings, comprising a base portion, wall portions and a top portion; the top portion grips a subarea of the base portion so as to form an opening for a component that can be operatively connected to the top portion, and locking means which are molded onto the top portion are provided in the region of the sliding block.