Telescopic Extension Assembly With Guided Slider and Safer Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic extensions for electric household appliances are costly due to flaring operations that stress and damage metallic components, difficult to assemble, and not safe as parts can separate, leading to high production costs and assembly challenges.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic extension design featuring an inner and outer tube with a sleeve, a slider, and actuating handle, where the inner tube has recesses and the outer tube has a tunnel for guiding the slider, reducing component count and allowing for easier assembly and increased strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If flaring operation is used to house the sleeve, then the sleeve can be retained, but the metallic walls are stressed and damaged, causing high production costs and part rejection
Solution Approach 1:
The flaring operation is segmented into multiple incremental steps rather than a single operation, allowing the metal to be gradually shaped while maintaining wall strength and reducing damage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The outer tube is pre-formed with a larger diameter than the final required size, allowing the flaring operation to be performed on a more robust structure before final assembly, reducing stress on the metallic walls during the critical shaping phase
2Stability of the object's composition
If longitudinal relief and recess are provided to prevent rotation, then rotational stability is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal relief and longitudinal recess are merged into a single integrated feature that serves both as a rotational prevention mechanism and as part of the assembly guide, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal relief-recess structure serves multiple functions: preventing rotation, guiding assembly, and providing structural support, thereby reducing the need for additional dedicated anti-rotation components
3Stability of the object's composition
If outwardly projecting parts are used in the pushbutton, then the pushbutton can be retained, but the assembly becomes difficult and cannot be automated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having outwardly projecting parts that must be manually manipulated, the pushbutton retention mechanism uses inwardly directed features that guide assembly automatically, allowing the bottom part to be mounted by simply inserting the sleeve in the outer tube
Solution Approach 2:
The pushbutton assembly features self-aligning geometric constraints that automatically position the bottom part correctly during insertion, eliminating the need for manual positioning or complex spring manipulation by the assembler
4Ease of operation
If two-piece pushbutton with springs is used, then the pushbutton can be retained, but the top part may separate from the bottom part, creating safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The top part and bottom part of the pushbutton are designed with nested geometric features where the bottom part fits within or alongside the top part, providing inherent mechanical interlocking that prevents separation while maintaining operational functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism incorporates pre-designed engagement features that engage before full assembly is complete, providing a safety margin that prevents separation under normal operating conditions and accidental stresses
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 results in a compact, robust, and cost-effective telescopic extension that is easy to assemble, reducing production time and costs, and can be automated, while ensuring reliability under operating stresses.
Implementation Method 1
a slider co-operating with the fastening means via the action of a first spring-land a second spring
Data Source
AI summary
A telescopic extension (1) for an electric household appliance is described, said extension comprising: an inner tube (2) and an outer tube (3) which are slidable one inside the other; a sleeve (4) fixed to the outer tube; a fastener (5) able to lock together said inner tube and the outer tube; a slider co-operating with the fastener via the action of a first spring and a second spring (73); and an actuating handle (8) operationally connected to said slider. The inner tube is provided with a plurality of recesses (23) able to receive, at least partially, the fastener. The outer tube comprises a tunnel (31) for retaining the slider and for guiding it during displacement. The tunnel is formed by suitably shaping the outer tube. The sleeve comprises a recessed area (46) for retaining the slider and guiding it during displacement.