Telescopic rail system for a domestic appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pull-out rail systems for household appliances, particularly cooking appliances, require additional components to achieve secure and reliable locking in end positions, increasing structural complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A pull-out rail system with a single latching means on one rail element and corresponding counter-latching means on the other, allowing for detachable locking in both end positions without additional components, featuring two oriented latching areas for adjustable holding forces and adaptable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional components such as vertical posts, fastening elements, or multiple locking devices are used to achieve secure locking in end positions, then the reliability of the locking mechanism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device integrates multiple locking areas into a single unit that can engage with different counter-locking devices on the second rail element. The locking device combines a first locking area for the fully retracted position and a second locking area for the fully extended position, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to perform multiple functions by engaging with different counter-locking devices depending on the rail system's position. The same locking device can lock the second rail element in both the fully retracted and fully extended positions, making it a universal locking solution for different end positions.
2Reliability
If multiple locking devices and additional components are used to ensure secure locking, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device merges multiple locking functions into a single component that can engage with different counter-locking devices. This reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable locking in both end positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal locking device can serve multiple locking purposes across different positions, reducing the need for position-specific locking components. This multi-functionality simplifies the bill of materials and reduces manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Device complexity
If a single locking device with multiple locking areas is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different rail systems may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed with multiple locking areas that can engage with different types of counter-locking devices. This universal design allows the same locking device to adapt to various rail system configurations and end position requirements, maintaining versatility while preserving structural simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The rail system (1) has a rail element (3) which is displaced relative to a rail element (2) in longitudinal direction, and a latching element (5) arranged at rail element (2). The main and auxiliary counter-locking elements (16) are arranged at rail element (3), corresponding to latching element. The latching regions (11,12) of latching element are engaged with respective counter-locking elements in a fully inserted position and fully extended position of rail element (3) respectively, where releasable latching connection between the rail elements is made.