Sliding Support Assembly Using Retaining Strips for Motorization Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sliding support assemblies with retaining strips that hold balls in place between a slide member and an elongated rail face challenges in motorization due to space constraints and the tendency of retaining strips to move away from the rail, causing damage or jamming.
Innovation Solution
The design features an elongate rail with channel sections and flanges that retain locating assemblies, including retaining strips with balls, to maintain proximity and prevent movement, allowing for motorization without increasing the assembly's outer dimensions and minimizing the risk of damage or jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single retaining member bridges the shallow channel of the elongate rail, then the balls are held in place between the slide member and the elongate rail, but the space available within the elongate rail is reduced, making motorization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The single retaining member is divided into two separate retaining strips that are positioned on either side of the shallow channel. This segmentation allows each strip to be independently positioned without bridging the channel, thereby preserving space for motorization components while still effectively retaining the balls through the combined action of both strips.
2Device complexity
If two separate retaining strips are used on either side of the shallow channel, then motorization space is preserved, but the strips tend to move away from the sides of the channel, causing damage or jamming
Solution Approach 1:
Locating assemblies are introduced as intermediary components that actively engage with the retaining strips and the elongate rail. These locating assemblies prevent the retaining strips from moving away from the channel sides by providing mechanical engagement and positioning features that maintain proper strip alignment during operation.
3Area of stationary object
If the retaining strips move away from the edges of the shallow channel, then space is gained, but the strips may damage other components or be damaged themselves and cause the assembly to become jammed
Solution Approach 1:
The locating assemblies provide preliminary positioning and constraint of the retaining strips before any harmful movement can occur. By pre-establishing proper alignment and engagement, the system prevents the strips from moving away from the channel edges, thereby eliminating the risk of damage or jamming before it can happen.
Data Source
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AI summary
An elongate rail (2) for use in a sliding support assembly (1), the sliding support assembly comprising a slide member (3) slidable in a longitudinal direction relative to the elongate rail and first (4a) and second locating assemblies, the elongate rail comprising a channel section defined by a first web, a first flange, and a second flange; a first wall (7a); and a second wall; wherein the first flange and the first wall (7a) define a first channel for retaining the first locating assembly (4a) and the second flange and the second wall define a second channel for retaining the second locating assembly.