Bracket Locking Assembly With Fool-Proof Orientation Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracket devices for slide rail assemblies often result in incorrect mounting due to operator error, potentially leading to installation errors or safety hazards, as they lack fool-proof mechanisms to ensure correct left or right side mounting.
Innovation Solution
A bracket device with a fool-proofing mechanism, featuring a locking member, elastic member, and a pivotal connection member, where the fool-proofing member can move between positions to block the locking member, preventing incorrect mounting by ensuring the bracket is securely fastened only when correctly aligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bracket device is designed without a fool-proofing mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of correct mounting is degraded due to operator error
Solution Approach 1:
The fool-proofing member is designed with an asymmetric structure that only allows the locking member to be blocked when the bracket is incorrectly oriented. The blocking feature and movement path are configured so that correct left or right side mounting positions allow proper operation, while incorrect positioning causes the fool-proofing member to obstruct the locking mechanism, preventing improper installation.
2Reliability
If a fool-proofing mechanism is added to prevent incorrect mounting, then the reliability of correct mounting is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fool-proofing mechanism operates automatically based on the bracket's orientation. When the bracket is correctly positioned, the locking member can move freely to engage or disengage. When incorrectly positioned, the fool-proofing member's blocking feature automatically obstructs the locking member's path, preventing improper installation without requiring external intervention or complex control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the locking member is made movable to allow mounting operations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is degraded due to risk of incorrect mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The fool-proofing member is positioned and configured to preemptively block the locking member's movement path when the bracket is in an incorrect orientation. This preliminary obstruction prevents the mounting operation from proceeding if the bracket is not correctly positioned, eliminating the risk of incorrect installation before the operator can complete the mounting action.
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 bracket device effectively prevents incorrect mounting by allowing secure attachment only when correctly aligned, reducing installation errors and ensuring safety by preventing the locking member from unlocking unless properly positioned.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member applying an elastic force to the locking member
Data Source
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AI summary
A bracket device (34) includes a bracket (36), at least one mounting member (38) mounted on the bracket (36), a locking member (40) movable with respect to the bracket (36), and a fool-proofing member (42) to be located at a first position (P1) or a second position (P2) with respect to the bracket (36). When the bracket (36) is at a first mounting angle, the fool-proofing member (42) is located at the first position (P1) and is unable to block the locking member (40) from moving with respect to the bracket (36). When the bracket (36) is flipped from the first mounting angle to a second mounting angle, the fool-proofing member (42) is displaced from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) and ends up blocking the moving path of the locking member (40) with respect to the bracket (36).