Telescopic Guide Plain Bearing Structure for Compact Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic guides are spatially protruding, structurally elaborate, and labor-intensive to install due to the use of a single type of universal plain bearing element requiring multiple fixing means, such as set screws, which complicates assembly and increases material usage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates sleeve-shaped plain bearing bodies with a C-shaped cross section, featuring lateral openings and differentiated types of plain bearing elements with inner and outer contours for fixing and bearing surfaces, simplifying assembly and reducing material requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal plain bearing element is used for both telescopic elements with multiple fixing means, then the design is standardized and versatile, but the structure becomes elaborate and installation becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The plain bearing elements are segmented into two distinct types: first plain bearing elements with an outer contour serving as the bearing surface and fixing means on the inner contour, and second plain bearing elements with an inner contour serving as the bearing surface and fixing means on the outer contour. This segmentation eliminates the need for a universal plain bearing element, reducing structural complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Each plain bearing element type is optimized for its specific location and function. The first plain bearing elements are designed with fixing means on the inner contour to match the outer contour of the first telescopic element, while the second plain bearing elements have fixing means on the outer contour to match the inner contour of the second telescopic element. This local optimization reduces the need for complex universal fixing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If multiple set screws are used to fix plain bearing elements to telescopic elements, then secure fixation is achieved, but installation time and labor increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing means are segmented and distributed differently on the inner and outer contours of the plain bearing elements. This allows each plain bearing element to be fixed with fewer screws since the fixing means are integrated into the element design rather than requiring separate fixing operations for each interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The plain bearing elements incorporate fixing means (such as integration profiles or built-in attachment mechanisms) as part of their own structure, allowing them to self-fix to the telescopic elements without requiring multiple separate set screws. This self-service approach maintains reliable fixation while dramatically reducing installation time.
3Ease of manufacture
If a universal plain bearing element design is used throughout, then manufacturing is simplified, but the overall material outlay and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plain bearing elements are divided into two specialized types rather than using a single universal design. Each type is optimized for its specific application, allowing for more efficient material usage. The first plain bearing elements use material configuration suited for fixing to the outer contour of the first telescopic element, while the second plain bearing elements use material configuration suited for fixing to the inner contour of the second telescopic element, reducing overall material outlay.
4Device complexity
If plain bearing elements are designed with both bearing surfaces and fixing means on the same contour, then the structure is simplified, but the force absorption capability from all directions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The functional surfaces are segmented between inner and outer contours. The first plain bearing elements have their bearing surface on the outer contour and fixing means on the inner contour, while the second plain bearing elements have their bearing surface on the inner contour and fixing means on the outer contour. This segmentation allows both bearing and fixing functions to be optimally positioned to absorb forces from all directions in the cross-sectional plane.
Solution Approach 2:
Each contour is locally optimized for its specific function. The bearing surfaces are positioned on the contours that best handle the sliding contact forces, while the fixing means are positioned on the opposite contours to provide optimal anchorage. This local quality differentiation enhances force absorption capability while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 new design results in a more compact, easier-to-mount telescopic guide that requires less material, occupies less space, and is less labor-intensive to install, while maintaining effective force absorption and guiding capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a plain bearing is provided indirectly or directly between the first telescopic element and the second telescopic element... the plain bearing has a first plain bearing unit with at least one plain bearing element which can be fixed stationary to the first telescopic element and is in sliding contact with the second telescopic element
Data Source
AI summary
A telescopic guide (1) includes a first elongated telescopic element (2) as a base element (2a) and second elongated telescopic element (3) as an end element (3a). These these two telescopic elements are arranged parallel to each other and are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. The telescopic guide further includes, a plain bearing indirectly or directly between the first telescopic element (2) and the second telescopic element (3), with the proviso, that the plain bearing has a first plain bearing unit with at least one plain bearing element (26, 27, 26′, 27′) which can be fixed stationary to the first telescopic element (2) and is in sliding contact with the second telescopic element (3), and a second plain bearing unit has at least one plain bearing element (37) which can be fixed stationary to the second telescopic element (3), whereas it is in sliding contact with the first telescopic element (2). The plain bearing elements (26, 27, 26′, 27′, 37) are designed as sleeve-shaped plain bearing bodies (51, 61) which have a C-shaped cross section (52, 62), and wherein a lateral opening (53, 63) is formed on the plain bearing body (51, 61) by means of the C-shaped cross section.