Adjustable Bracket Device for Variable-Thickness Rack Posts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bracket devices are not adaptable to racks with varying specifications, limiting their efficiency and versatility in mounting slide rail assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A bracket device comprising a bracket, a mounting member, a pivoting member, a locking member, and an elastic member, where the locking member can be longitudinally moved between two positions to accommodate posts of different thicknesses, ensuring secure mounting across various rack dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed bracket design is used, then the manufacturing and installation process is simple, but the bracket cannot accommodate racks with varying specifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different rack specificationsVSAvoidbracket structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket incorporates a movable locking member that can shift between locked and unlocked positions, and a rotatable pivoting member that enables dynamic adjustment. These dynamic elements allow the bracket to adapt to different rack thicknesses while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket design integrates multiple functions into a single device: the locking member provides both locking and unlocking capabilities, the pivoting member enables both rotation and positioning, and the ear parts with moving areas accommodate various rack dimensions. This multi-functionality allows one bracket design to serve multiple rack specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the mounting security is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member is pre-loaded to automatically push the locking member into the locked position when the pivoting member rotates. This preliminary action ensures that the locking mechanism engages securely without requiring complex additional components or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating: rotating the pivoting member automatically triggers the locking member to engage or disengage through the action of the elastic member. The system serves itself by converting the rotation motion directly into locking/unlocking action without external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the locking member is fixed in position, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the bracket cannot accommodate posts of different thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability to different post thicknessesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member is segmented from the main bracket body and connected through the pivoting member. This segmentation allows the locking member to move independently along the longitudinal direction while the rest of the bracket remains stationary. The ear parts are also segmented with separate moving areas that accommodate the locking member's displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivoting member acts as an intermediary between the rotation motion and the longitudinal displacement of the locking member. It translates the rotational action into linear movement of the locking member along the moving area, enabling position adjustment without complex manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables secure and adaptable mounting of slide rail assemblies to racks with different post thicknesses, enhancing the bracket's versatility and efficiency by providing adjustable locking mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

An elastic member is configured to provide an elastic force to the locking member, wherein the locking member is located at a predetermined position in response to the elastic force of the elastic member.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3231325B1Bracket device
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP3231325B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3231325B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3231325B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A bracket device (24, 24') includes a bracket (38, 38'), a mounting member (40) and a locking member (42). The bracket (38, 38') has a side plate (44) and an end plate (46) connected to the slide plate (44). The mounting member (40) is arranged on the end plate (46) of the bracket (38, 38'). One of the bracket (38, 38') and the locking member (42) provides a moving area (67) for allowing the locking member (42) to move between a first position and a second position relative to the bracket (24, 24').