Fixing assembly for slide rail on a wired rack

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slide rail fixing units for wire racks in installation structures, such as dishwashers and ovens, face issues with deformation and separation due to decreased fixing force over time, requiring high assembly forces and increasing costs, necessitating a simpler and more convenient coupling mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A two-piece fixing unit comprising a first and second fixing clip, where the first clip is laterally fixed to the horizontal frame and the second clip is vertically fixed, with specific geometric features like inclined parts and convex surfaces to enhance coupling and prevent separation, allowing for easy installation and operation with minimal force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex structure or high elastic force fixing unit is used to maintain high coupling force, then the fixing force is maintained, but the assembly force required increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling forceVSAvoidassembly force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing unit is divided into two separate clips: a first fixing clip that provides lateral fixing and a second fixing clip that provides vertical fixing. This segmentation allows each clip to be simpler in structure while collectively maintaining high coupling force, eliminating the need for a single complex high-force mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines lateral fixing (first fixing clip) and vertical fixing (second fixing clip) into a unified fixing unit system. By merging these two fixing directions, the system achieves stable coupling force distribution that prevents both deformation and separation without requiring excessive assembly force

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a complex structure or high elastic force fixing unit is used to maintain high coupling force, then the fixing force is maintained, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling forceVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing the fixing unit into two simpler clips reduces manufacturing complexity and cost. Each clip can be produced independently with simpler tooling and processes, while the segmented design maintains overall coupling force effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing clips are designed as simple, cost-effective components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The design prioritizes low cost and ease of manufacture while maintaining sufficient fixing functionality through the two-clip configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If a single fixing clip is used, then the structure is simple, but the fixing force is insufficient causing deformation and separation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidfixing force
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing function is segmented into two independent clips with different orientations (lateral and vertical). This segmentation distributes the fixing force across two components, preventing the deformation and separation issues that would occur with a single clip, while keeping each individual clip structurally simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If a conventional fixing unit is used, then the slide rail can be fixed, but the assembly and separation operations are difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The two-clip design allows for independent manipulation of each fixing element. Users can quickly assemble or separate the slide rail by working with individual clips rather than manipulating a single complex fixing mechanism, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining fixing stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing a single complex fixing unit that requires complex operations, the patent inverts the approach by using two simple clips that enable simple operations. The complexity is inverted from the operation side to the functional outcome side

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3936001B1Fixing assembly for slide rail on a wired rack
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 SEGOS
  • EP3936001B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3936001B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3936001B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An embodiment of the present invention provides a fixing assembly comprising: a wire rack having a vertical frame and a horizontal frame; a slide rail which has a fixed rail coupled to the wire rack and a movable rail slidably disposed on the fixed rail; and a fixing means for fastening the fixed rail to the wire rack, wherein the fixing means comprises a first fixing clip provided on one side of the fixed rail and a second fixing clip provided on the other side of the fixed rail. The fixing assembly has a structure in which the first fixing clip is fixed laterally to the horizontal frame, and then the second fixing clip is fixed vertically to the horizontal frame.