Welded Slide Assembly for Rigid Movable Profile Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slides for furniture drawers and motor vehicle seats face challenges in assembly complexity, deformation risks, and lack of rigidity due to the design of connecting plates, which require precise shaping, limited installation options, and inadequate contribution to the stiffness of side wings.
Innovation Solution
A slide design where the penetrating part of the connecting plate is secured to the movable profile with a continuous weld from one side flank to the other, enhancing assembly ease and resistance, and allowing for improved geometry and rigidity by producing a transverse weld bead that immobilizes the connecting plate and reinforces the profile's flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the connecting plate is assembled by pivoting and punching as in patent FR 2930203, then the connecting plate can be fixed to the movable profile, but the assembly process is complex and time-consuming with multiple separate operations required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple assembly operations (pivoting, positioning, and welding) into a single integrated process. The connecting plate is introduced in one motion and immediately welded in place, eliminating the need for separate pivoting and punching operations described in prior art.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting plate is designed with a geometry that allows it to be preliminarily positioned during the welding process itself. The plate's shape enables it to be introduced from below while maintaining proper alignment, with the welding operation serving as both fixation and alignment confirmation.
2Ease of operation
If the connecting plate is introduced by pivoting as in patent FR 2930203, then the connecting plate can be positioned, but the profile may deform during the immobilization operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional assembly approach by introducing the connecting plate from below rather than from above. This reversal changes the force application direction and allows the plate to be pushed into position without pivoting, eliminating deformation risks associated with the traditional top-down pivoting method.
3Device complexity
If the connecting plate is designed without contribution to side wing rigidity as in prior art, then the assembly is simpler, but the overall structure lacks sufficient stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connecting plate's structural function with its assembly function. The plate is designed to simultaneously provide rigidity reinforcement to the side wings while serving as the assembly component that connects the movable profile to the fixed profile, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement elements.
4Ease of manufacture
If a central groove is added to the movable profile as in patent FR 2889523, then the connecting plate can be received, but the profile width increases and tight mounting is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for a central groove by inverting the assembly approach - introducing the connecting plate from below rather than from above. This removes the width-increasing groove feature while still enabling proper positioning and welding of the connecting plate to the movable profile.
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 simplifies assembly, enhances resistance to separation of the profile's flanges, and maintains the geometry under stress, improving the overall performance and durability of the slide system.
Implementation Method 1
the penetrating part of the connecting plate is secured to the movable profile, at the junction of the lower part of the lateral sides of this movable profile and the wings of this profile, by a continuous weld from a lower edge of one side flank to the lower edge of the other side flank
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a slide for slidable adjustment systems, and assembly method therefor, wherein said slide includes: - a stationary profile member (1), intended to be secured onto a frame; - a movable profile member (2), intended to be attached to an element that is to be moved including a central portion (20) having a channel section and extended by side flanks (21, 22) and two flanges (23, 24) extending opposite from each other; and - a connecting plate (3) having, on one end, a projection (30) ensuring attachment of an element to be moved and, on the other end thereof, a penetrating portion (40) inserted into the central portion of the movable profile element. Said slide is characterized in that the penetrating portion (40) of the connecting plate is secured to the movable profile member (2), where the bottom portion of the side flanks of said movable profile member joins the flanges of said profile member, by a continuous weld from a bottom edge of one side flank to the bottom edge of the other side flank. The device according to the invention is particularly of use for all slidable adjustment systems.