Telescopic Extension Assembly With Guided Slider Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic extensions for electric household appliances are costly due to flaring operations that stress metallic tubes, difficult to assemble, and not safe as they can break easily, leading to high production costs and assembly challenges.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic extension design featuring an inner and outer tube with a tunnel-shaped outer tube for guiding a slider, a sleeve with recessed areas, and an actuating handle with teeth for easy assembly and automated production, reducing component count and stress on materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flaring operation is used to retain the slider, then the slider can be retained in the outer tube, but the metallic walls are greatly stressed and weakened, causing damage and high production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the slider retention function from the flaring operation and relocates it to a dedicated retention element (such as a clip or retaining ring) that engages with the slider. This separates the retention function from the structural integrity of the outer tube, allowing the tube to maintain its full strength while still securing the slider effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary retention element that acts as a mediator between the outer tube and the slider. This element provides the retention function without directly stressing the metallic walls of the outer tube, thereby preventing damage while ensuring reliable slider retention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If longitudinal relief and recess are provided to prevent rotation, then the inner and outer tubes can be locked together, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anti-rotation locking function with the existing structural elements of the telescopic tubes. Instead of adding separate longitudinal reliefs and recesses, the design integrates rotation prevention into the natural geometry of the tube interfaces or the retention elements, thereby achieving locking without increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the retention elements to perform multiple functions simultaneously: retaining the slider, preventing rotation, and potentially providing thrust engagement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural features for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stability.
3Ease of operation
If two-piece pushbutton with springs is used, then the actuating mechanism can be provided, but assembly is difficult and cannot be automated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuating handle and the retention element into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate springs and multi-piece construction, allowing the entire actuating and retention mechanism to be formed as one piece that can be easily installed by sliding it into place, enabling automated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a simpler, more robust actuating mechanism that prioritizes ease of manufacture and automation over complex spring-based designs. The single-piece construction may sacrifice some adjustability but greatly improves manufacturability and allows for automated assembly processes.
4Volume of stationary object
If flaring operation is used, then the cross section of the telescopic tube increases, but the production costs increase greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the slider retention function from the flaring operation, allowing the outer tube to maintain its original cross-sectional dimensions. By using a dedicated retention element instead of flaring, the tube cross section does not need to increase, thereby avoiding the high production costs associated with flaring operations.
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 reliable telescopic extension that is easier to assemble, reduces production costs, and can withstand operating stresses, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a slider co-operating with the fastening means via the action of a first spring and a second spring
Data Source
Figure 1
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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 fastening means (5) able to lock together said inner tube and the outer tube; a slider co-operating with the fastening means 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 fastening means. 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.