Universal Carrier Profile for Interchangeable Guide Rail Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carrier profiles for guide rails lack versatility, as they are designed for specific configurations and materials, limiting the ability to use different guide rail profiles interchangeably and increasing production costs due to the need for multiple profiles.
Innovation Solution
A universal carrier profile that can be combined with various guide rail profiles, featuring sets of holding elements for form-fit connections, allowing for different configurations and materials, including a design that covers the carrier profile for aesthetic and structural purposes, reducing the need for multiple profiles and lowering production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a carrier profile is designed for a specific guide rail profile configuration, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the versatility and adaptability to different guide rail profiles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier profile is designed with multiple sets of holding elements that can accommodate different guide rail profile configurations. The profile can function with various connection types (e.g., first guide rail profile with first holding elements, second guide rail profile with second holding elements) without requiring different carrier profiles, thus achieving multi-functionality and universality.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier profile incorporates distinct, separable holding element sets (first holding elements, second holding elements, third holding elements) that can be independently engaged or disengaged. This segmentation allows the carrier profile to adapt to different guide rail profiles by selecting the appropriate holding element set, maintaining reliable connection while enabling versatility.
2Reliability
If multiple different carrier profiles are produced for different guide rail configurations, then each configuration can be optimized, but the production cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of producing multiple specialized carrier profiles, a single universal carrier profile is designed that can accommodate different guide rail configurations through its multiple holding element sets. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple carrier profile variants while maintaining the ability to optimize for different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple holding element sets that would traditionally require separate carrier profiles are merged into a single integrated carrier profile structure. This combining approach reduces production complexity and inventory requirements while preserving the optimized connection capabilities for different guide rail profiles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a carrier profile is designed with multiple holding element sets, then the versatility increases, but the manufacturing complexity and cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different holding element sets are positioned at specific locations on the carrier profile, each optimized for its intended guide rail profile type. This local quality approach allows each holding element set to be manufactured with appropriate precision for its specific function, while the overall carrier profile remains a single manufacturable component, balancing versatility with ease of manufacture.
Data Source
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The profile (100) has a set of holding elements e.g. locking projection (130), first contact surface (140), second contact surface (145) and hook (180), for positive detent connection of a guide rail profile with the profile. Another set of holding elements such as the locking projection, the first and second contact surfaces, a third contact surface (150) and a detent recess (160) produce another positive detent connection of an alternative guide rail profile arrangement with the profile such that the two sets of holding elements are not completely identical. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a guide rail (2) a component assortment part for setting up guide rail.