Rack System Bracket Attachment with Locking Plunger Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rack systems lack a secure and efficient mechanism for attaching and detaching support brackets from support rails, leading to potential unintentional detachment or attachment issues.
Innovation Solution
A rack system with axially extending bracket arresting slots and corresponding locking locations, featuring a support bracket with axially disposed engaging hooks and a locking mechanism comprising a locking plunger that engages with locking locations on the support rail, allowing for secure attachment and detachment only when the locking plunger is disengaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with locking plunger is added to prevent unintentional detachment, then the reliability of bracket attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: locking plungers that engage with bracket arresting slots, and locking locations that receive the plungers. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving reliable attachment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through spring-loaded plungers that automatically engage with bracket arresting slots when brackets are installed. The system self-regulates the locking state without requiring external control systems, thereby improving reliability while minimizing complexity through automatic operation.
2Reliability
If multiple bracket arresting slots are provided for secure attachment, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the ease of operation for attachment and detachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism employs dynamic elements including spring-loaded plungers that can automatically engage or disengage from bracket arresting slots. This dynamic design allows the system to transition between locked and unlocked states efficiently, maintaining high connection security while improving operational ease through automatic spring-actuated engagement rather than manual locking procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintentional detachment, then the stability of the rack system is improved, but the ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed as a separable assembly where locking plungers can be individually extracted from the support rail for replacement or maintenance. This extraction capability allows repair personnel to access and service the locking components without dismantling the entire rack system, thereby maintaining system stability while significantly improving ease of repair and maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are rack systems including at least one support rail configured with a plurality of axially extending bracket arresting slots and a plurality of corresponding locking locations, and at least one support bracket including at least two axially disposed engaging hooks readily detachably attachable with any two or more of the bracket arresting slots of the support rail, said support bracket further including a locking mechanism including a locking plunger configured for engaging with a locking location at the support rail.