Telescopic rail with at least three rail elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional telescopic rails lack synchronization between guide rails, leading to uneven extension and a limited service life of rolling elements due to low load-carrying capacity.

Innovation Solution

The telescopic rail design includes synchronized first and second guide rails via elongated connecting elements and self-contained rolling element carriages with a screw, welded, press, or positive connection, allowing for improved load distribution and extended service life of rolling elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If rolling elements are arranged in rolling element cages, then the guide rails can be guided on the intermediate rail, but the service life is limited due to low load-carrying capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice life of rolling elementsVSAvoidload-carrying capacity of rolling elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling element carriage is divided into multiple independent rolling element carriers, each carrying its own rolling elements. This segmentation allows each carrier to independently support load while maintaining synchronization through the connecting elements, thereby increasing overall load-carrying capacity and service life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rolling element carriage combines multiple materials and structural elements (rolling elements, carriers, connecting elements, guide rails) to create a composite system with enhanced load-carrying capacity. The combination of rolling contact and form-fitting synchronization mechanisms creates a synergistic effect that improves both strength and durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If conventional telescopic rail design is used, then the structure is simple, but the guide rails are not synchronized leading to uneven extension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidsynchronization of guide rails
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Elongated connecting elements act as intermediaries between the rolling element carriers and the guide rails, transmitting forces and moments to synchronize the movement of guide rails. These connecting elements serve as mediators that coordinate the motion without significantly increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The form-fitting synchronization mechanism creates equipotential conditions by ensuring that both guide rails experience equal and opposite forces through the connecting elements, resulting in synchronized movement and preventing uneven extension

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

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

This solution ensures a smooth and safe extension process, extends the life of rolling elements, and provides a stable arrangement of rolling element carriages on the guide rails, enhancing load-bearing capacity and durability.

Implementation Method 1

the first guide rail being positively guided via rolling elements on a first track of the intermediate rail and the second guide rail being positively guided via rolling elements on a second track of the intermediate rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling contact: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP3670944B1Telescopic rail with at least three rail elements
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 NADELLA SA
  • EP3670944B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3670944B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3670944B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In a telescopic rail 100 with a first and a second guide rail 110, 130 and with an intermediate rail 120, wherein the first guide rail 110 is positively guided by rolling elements 108 on a first raceway of the intermediate rail and the second guide rail 130 is positively guided by rolling elements 108 on a second raceway of the intermediate rail running parallel to the first raceway, the first and second guide rails as well as the intermediate rail are synchronized by at least two elongated connecting elements when moving from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa, wherein a first end of a first connecting element and a second end of a second connecting element are fixed to the first guide rail and a second end of the first connecting element and a first end of the second connecting element are fixed to the second guide rail.and wherein the rolling elements 108 for guiding the first and second guide rails 110, 130 on the intermediate rail 120 are each guided in a rolling element slide.