Compact Slide Assembly With Tool-Less Rack Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for compact slide assemblies with improved functionality and mounting arrangements that can be easily attached to server racks without tools, capable of supporting significant loads while maintaining a small cross-sectional size.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a slide assembly with telescopically engaged segments, including an outer, intermediate, and inner slide segment, each with double wall portions for increased strength and load-carrying capacity, along with a tool-less mounting arrangement using pin assemblies and brackets that adjust to accommodate different server rack depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cross-sectional size of the slide assembly is reduced, then space efficiency is improved, but the load-carrying capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slide assembly employs multiple telescoping segments (outer segment, intermediate segment, inner segment) nested within each other. Each segment contains bearing surfaces that interface with adjacent segments, distributing the load across multiple contact points. This nested configuration allows the assembly to maintain a compact cross-sectional profile while the cumulative bearing surfaces across segments provide sufficient load-carrying capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing wall thickness in the cross-sectional dimension to improve strength, the patent distributes structural reinforcement across the longitudinal dimension by creating multiple bearing surfaces along the length of the telescoping segments. This transforms the strength enhancement strategy from a two-dimensional (cross-sectional) approach to a three-dimensional (longitudinal distribution) approach.
2Reliability
If traditional mounting arrangements are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but tool usage and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates a pin assembly with a resilient pin that automatically engages with mounting holes in the rack. The resilient nature of the pin allows it to flex during insertion and then lock into place without requiring tools, enabling the mounting system to secure itself through the natural mechanical interaction between the pin and mounting holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional tool-based mechanical fastening systems with a spring-loaded pin mechanism that uses elastic deformation and mechanical interference to achieve secure attachment. This substitution eliminates the need for tools while maintaining reliable mounting through the resilient pin's ability to flex and lock.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed mounting arrangements are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different rack configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with movable components, specifically the pin assembly that can transition between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic capability allows the bracket to adapt to different rack configurations by adjusting the pin engagement, while the engaged state provides stable structural support. The system transitions from a static fixed mounting to a dynamic adjustable mounting that maintains stability in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket with its adjustable pin assembly serves multiple functions: it can accommodate different rack depths, adapt to various mounting hole positions, and provide secure attachment across different configurations. This universal design allows a single bracket design to replace multiple fixed mounting solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
Slide assemblies that include at least an inner slide segment and an outer slide segment. Many of the slide assemblies also include an intermediate slide segment interposed between the inner slide segment and the outer slide segment. The outer slide segment is constructed from a bent piece of material having a substantially uniform wall thickness. The outer slide segment is formed to have a wall portion, an upper portion and a lower portion. Each of the upper portion and lower portion include two layers of the piece of material. A mounting assembly for a slide assembly includes at least one bracket having at least a first pin and a second pin movable relative to the first pin. The second pin can surround and slide upon the first pin and can be biased to a first position and movable to a second position relative to the first pin.