Buffered Slide Assembly to Prevent Vibration-Induced Drawer Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push-open type slide assemblies are prone to sudden unlocking and drawer ejection due to external impacts or vibrations, which causes the slide assembly to abnormally open.

Innovation Solution

A buffering device is integrated into the slide assembly, comprising a positioning member, a swing member, a push member, a resilient member, and an engaging member, where a buffering member absorbs external forces, maintaining the positioning member at a stable position and preventing unexpected disengagement of the engaging block from the pin, thus stabilizing the slide assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the slide assembly uses a locking device to maintain the locked status, then the drawer remains stable during normal use, but when external force is applied the locking device suddenly unlocks and the drawer pops out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of locked statusVSAvoidsensitivity to external force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a buffering device with a buffering member positioned between the positioning member and the first rail. This buffering member absorbs external impact forces before they can reach the locking mechanism, preventing sudden unlocking. The cushioning effect is achieved by allowing the buffering member to deform or compress under external force, thereby protecting the locking device from abnormal forces that would cause the drawer to pop out.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the positioning member is rigidly fixed to maintain precise position, then the engaging block and pin remain firmly engaged, but external vibrations can still cause sudden unlocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidvibration sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The buffering device is positioned between the positioning member and the first rail to absorb vibrations and external forces before they can disrupt the engagement between the engaging block and pin. This allows the positioning member to maintain accurate positioning while the buffering member absorbs the harmful vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If the slide assembly structure is simplified without buffering device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the slide assembly becomes vulnerable to external impacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidresistance to external force
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a buffering device consisting of a buffering member positioned between the positioning member and the first rail. This relatively simple addition provides significant protection against external impacts and vibrations, improving the reliability of the slide assembly without requiring a complete redesign of the entire mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 buffering device effectively absorbs vibration and impact forces, preventing the slide assembly from suddenly unlocking and reducing the likelihood of the drawer popping out, ensuring stable operation under external disturbances.

Implementation Method 1

A resilient member is located between the positioning member and the push member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The buffering member is deformed for absorbing vibration force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2428135B1Slide assembly with buffering device
Publication Date: 2013.01.09 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP2428135B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2428135B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2428135B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A slide assembly with a buffering device includes a positioning member (16), a swing member (20), a push member (24), a resilient member (26) and an engaging member (28), all of which are connected to the slide assembly having a first rail (10) and a second rail (12). The positioning member (16) is movably connected to the first rail (10) and the swing member (20) is pivotably connected to the positioning member (16). The push member (24) is connected to the positioning member (16) and biased by the resilient member (26) so as to move longitudinally. The engaging member (28) is connected to the second rail (12). A buffering member (32) is located between the positioning member (16) and the first rail (10). The buffering member (32) maintains the positioning member (16) at a first position relative to the first rail (10).