L-Shaped Rack Rail Assembly With Fewer Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal rack frame assemblies for electronics equipment require a large number of screws for assembly, making the process time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A uniquely designed set of components featuring end units with protrusions and tabs, and elongate rails with L-shaped cross sections, which reduce the number of screws needed for assembly by utilizing pins and screw threads to secure the rails to the base and top shelf, allowing for easier and faster assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional frame assembly methods are used with multiple screws and components, then the frame structure is secure and stable, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated corner component that simultaneously provides structural support and secures the rail to both the base and top shelf. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate screws and components from 32 to just 8, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining frame stability
Solution Approach 2:
The corner component serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support element, a fastening mechanism, and a positioning feature for the L-shaped rail. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, streamlining the assembly process without compromising structural integrity
2Reliability
If conventional frame assembly methods are used with multiple screws and components, then the frame structure is secure and stable, but the assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated corner component that simultaneously provides structural support and secures the rail to both the base and top shelf. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate screws and components from 32 to just 8, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining frame stability
Solution Approach 2:
The corner component serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support element, a fastening mechanism, and a positioning feature for the L-shaped rail. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, streamlining the assembly process without compromising structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
An end unit has an end wall and first and second side walls forming a corner. One end of an L-shaped rail with first and second flanges seats in the corner against the end wall, with the flanges flat against the side walls. One side wall has a protrusion abutting the first flange to restrict movement of the rail away from the other side wall. The first side wall has a tab in a slot in the first flange, engaging the flange on a side of the slot away from the end wall, preventing movement of the rail away from the first side wall, while permitting movement of the rail away from the end wall to a position where the tab aligns with the slot to permit movement of the rail away from the first side wall. A pin in aligned holes prevents the movement away from the end wall.