Rail Width Adjustment Assembly With Direct Movable Rail Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rail width adjustment methods are complex, costly, and inefficient, requiring additional apparatus and space due to the need for a spline with a screw rod, leading to increased complexity and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for adjusting the width of a rail mechanism using a fixed rail and a movable rail, where the movable rail is moved from an initial to a working position using a driving assembly and a moving distance acquiring module, with a locking element for stability, allowing for precise and efficient width adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a spline with screw rod is used for rail width adjustment, then the adjustment function is achieved, but the structure becomes more complicated and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary spline component from the traditional screw rod adjustment mechanism. By directly connecting the motor to the screw rod that drives the movable rail, the patent achieves the adjustment function while significantly simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the motor mounting function directly onto the fixed rail structure, eliminating the need for separate spline components. The motor is directly coupled to the screw rod mechanism, combining multiple functions into integrated components that reduce structural complexity while maintaining the adjustment capability
2Ease of manufacture
If a spline with screw rod is used for rail width adjustment, then the adjustment function is achieved, but the space usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the spline component and its associated mounting structures, the patent significantly reduces the volume occupied by the adjustment mechanism. The direct motor-to-screw rod connection eliminates unnecessary spatial requirements, allowing for more compact device design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a compact arrangement where the motor is mounted directly on the fixed rail and the screw rod mechanism is integrated within the same structural envelope. This nested arrangement allows components to share space efficiently, reducing the overall volume required for the adjustment system
3Ease of manufacture
If a spline with screw rod is used for rail width adjustment, then the adjustment function is achieved, but the adjustment method becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating the spline from the mechanism, the patent simplifies the adjustment method to a straightforward motor-driven screw rod system. This reduction in mechanical complexity makes the adjustment process easier to understand, operate, and maintain, while preserving the full adjustment functionality
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional width adjustment apparatus is added, then the adjustment capability is enhanced, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the fixed rail structure to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, serves as the mounting base for the motor, and acts as the reference element for the adjustment mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized adjustment apparatus, reducing overall cost while maintaining full adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of structural support and adjustment mechanism mounting into a single integrated fixed rail structure. By merging these functions rather than using separate components, the patent reduces the quantity of parts required, lowering material costs and assembly complexity while preserving complete adjustment functionality
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for adjusting a width of a rail mechanism is disclosed. The rail mechanism includes a fixed rail and a movable rail parallel with each other. The apparatus for adjusting the width includes: a base configured to be provided thereon with the fixed rail; a first guide rail provided on the base and configured to be installed with the movable rail, the movable rail being movable towards or away from the fixed rail along an axial direction of the first guide rail; a moving distance acquiring module configured to acquire a moving distance required for the movable rail to move from an initial position to a working position; and a driving assembly detachably connected with the movable rail and configured to drive the movable rail to move from the initial position to the working position based on the moving distance.