Reverse U-Shaped Drawer Slide Assembly With Protected Auto-Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing undermount drawer slides have a weak structure and exposed parts, leading to breakage and reduced quality.
Innovation Solution
A slide member and assembly featuring a reverse U-shaped track with suspension rollers, a retracting base with elastic elements, and a buffering member, providing a stronger structure and automatic retractable mechanism to protect and stabilize the sliding operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If accessories of the slide assembly are exposed outwardly, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the parts are easy to break and downgrade the quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the retractable device and buffer device inside the track's reverse U-shaped space. The retractable device is positioned within the track structure, and the buffer device is nested within the same enclosed space, protecting both components while maintaining a compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the accessories (retractable device and buffer device) from the external environment and relocates them into the protected internal space of the track structure. This extraction removes the harmful exposure to external factors while maintaining the functional integrity of the components.
2Reliability
If the structure is made stronger to prevent breakage, then the quality and durability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the track structure itself. The reverse U-shaped track simultaneously serves as the structural framework, the protective enclosure for the retractable device, and the guide for the drawer movement. This integration strengthens the structure without adding separate complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The track structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the structural support and the protective housing for the retractable and buffer devices. This universal design approach strengthens the overall structure while avoiding the need for additional protective housings or complex assembly components.
3Reliability
If a retractable device and buffer device are added to protect the sliding operation, then the stability and quality are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable device and buffer device are nested within the enclosed space formed by the reverse U-shaped track. This nesting arrangement protects the devices while utilizing the existing track structure as the housing, thereby improving stability without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 results in a stronger structure with stable sliding and protection of the automatic retractable device, enhancing the overall quality and durability of the slide assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element is provided between said engaging section of said retracting base and said track, said elastic element having two ends connected to said engaging section and said pulling part, respectively
Implementation Method 2
a buffering member is provided between said track and said engaging section of said retracting base, said buffering member comprising a fixed end and a buffer rod, said fixed end engaging with said engaging section, said buffer rod facing said pulling part extending automatically
Data Source
AI summary
A slide member and a slide assembly having the slide member are provided, in particular to a reinforcing structure of the slide member and the slide assembly. The slide member further comprises an automatic retractable device therein and may be in conjunction with a single-section or two-section slide to from a slide assembly in a stronger structure and a steady sliding operation.