Telescopic rail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telescopic rails face challenges in handling high loads while requiring minimal operator effort, particularly in industrial environments where they are exposed to heavy usage and varying conditions.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic rail designed with cold-shaped steel rail elements that are electrogalvanically van galvanized and chromized for corrosion protection, featuring a lubricant surface for smooth operation, full extract capability with a locking mechanism, and side mounting for efficient handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If steel profiles with high bending moment are used to accommodate high loads, then load capacity is improved, but the weight and difficulty of handling increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidhandling effort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic rail is divided into multiple rail elements (first rail element, second rail element, third rail element) that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high load capacity through the combined strength of multiple elements while reducing the weight and handling difficulty of individual elements compared to a single solid steel profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If cold-formed steel with electrogalvanic zinc coating and chromization is used, then corrosion resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rail elements utilize a composite material structure combining cold-formed steel base material with electrogalvanic zinc coating and chromization layer. This composite approach provides superior corrosion resistance by combining the mechanical strength of steel with the protective properties of zinc and chromium layers, while the cold-forming process enables efficient manufacturing of the shaped profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If a lubricant surface is applied to reduce friction, then sliding smoothness is improved, but maintenance requirements and potential contamination increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesliding smoothnessVSAvoidsurface treatment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surface of the rail elements is modified through parameter changes including electrogalvanic zinc coating and chromization, which alter the surface properties to reduce friction and wear. The chromized surface provides a hard, low-friction interface that enables smooth sliding operation without requiring additional lubricant application, thereby reducing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables the telescopic rail to bear high loads reliably while being easy to handle, ensuring a smooth and quiet operation with enhanced corrosion resistance and improved load management.

Implementation Method 1

cold-shaped steel rail elements which are electrogalvanically van galvanized and chromized for corrosion protection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrogalvanic coating: Electroplating

Implementation Method 2

cold-shaped steel rail elements which are electrogalvanically van galvanized and chromized for corrosion protection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChromization: Electroplating

Implementation Method 3

featuring a lubricant surface for smooth operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP4193879B1Telescopic rail
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 TRANSPOFIX TRANSPORTHILFSMITTEL UND BODENBELAGE HERSTELLUNGS UND VERTRIEBS GMBH
  • EP4193879B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4193879B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4193879B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a telescopic rail for receiving inserts or loads. The telescopic rail is designed as a sliding rail and has at least three rail elements (201, 202, 203) arranged to slide relative to one another, wherein: • the rail elements are made of metal, preferably steel; • at least two outer rail elements each have a section with a U- or C-shaped cross-section and are guided with their openings opposite each other and slidably parallel to one another; • the third, inner rail element is arranged between the two outer rail elements and is guided separately and slidably relative to the two outer rail elements; • the two outer rail elements each receive a sliding element in their opening, which is guided slidably relative to the third rail element.