Drawer Slide Elastomeric Stop Assembly to Reduce Chassis Shock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drawer slides in storage systems cause significant shock to storage devices and other assemblies when drawers are fully extended or seated, leading to potential damage and disruption in data storage operations.
Innovation Solution
A drawer slide system incorporating a damped stop assembly with elastomers that compress to absorb shock, reducing the impact on the chassis and storage devices, and allowing for different elastomer materials or sizes to provide varying shock reduction properties based on the drawer's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional drawer slides are used, then the drawer can be extended and seated, but significant shock is generated causing potential damage to storage devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates elastomeric shock-absorbing elements within the drawer slide assembly that are pre-positioned to cushion the impact when the drawer is fully extended or seated. These elastomers are integrated into the slide mechanism itself, providing beforehand cushioning that prevents shock transmission to storage devices without requiring separate external shock-reducing assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric elements act as intermediary components between the metal slide channels and the drawer/chassis. When the drawer reaches its fully extended or seated position, these elastomeric intermediaries absorb the impact energy, mediating the force transmission and preventing direct shock contact with storage devices while maintaining the structural integrity of the slide assembly.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shock-reducing assemblies are added, then shock impact is reduced, but the chassis design becomes less compact and dense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shock-reducing function with the existing drawer slide assembly by integrating elastomeric elements directly into the slide mechanism. This combination eliminates the need for separate external shock-reducing assemblies, maintaining compact chassis design while providing effective shock protection. The elastomers are positioned within the existing slide structure, combining support and shock absorption functions in a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer slide assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support for the drawer, enabling smooth extension and retraction motion, and absorbing shock impact through integrated elastomeric elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated shock-reducing components, maintaining chassis compactness while achieving comprehensive shock protection.
3Ease of operation
If hard stops are used to limit drawer travel, then drawer position is controlled, but shock and rebound occur disrupting storage device operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the stop mechanism from rigid hard stops to elastomeric stops with different material properties. The elastomeric elements provide positional control while their elastic properties allow them to deform under impact, absorbing shock energy and eliminating the rebound effect associated with rigid stops. This parameter change in material properties resolves the contradiction between effective position control and shock reduction.
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 system effectively reduces shock to storage devices and assemblies, preventing damage and ensuring continuous operation by using elastomers to absorb the impact, while maintaining a compact and dense chassis design without the need for additional shock-reducing assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The first elastomer reduces shock to the chassis when the drawer is fully seated within the chassis
Implementation Method 2
a first damped stop assembly, which includes a first stop tray and a first elastomer, arranged within the first stop tray
Data Source
AI summary
A drawer slide system for a chassis is provided. The drawer slide system includes a first slide affixed to a drawer. The drawer slide system allows the drawer to extend from the chassis. The drawer slide system also includes a slide assembly slidingly coupled to the first slide. The slide assembly includes a second slide and a first damped stop assembly, which includes a first stop tray and a first elastomer, arranged within the first stop tray. The first elastomer reduces shock to the chassis when the drawer is fully seated within the chassis.