Automatic Retractable Slide Assembly With Simple Engagement Locking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional slide assemblies with automatic retractable devices are not cost-effective and durable, leading to a shorter lifespan for sliding members, and often require complex structures to maintain reliability and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A slide assembly with an automatic retractable device featuring a stationary rail, a sliding rail, a sliding member with elastic members and an engaging plate, a locator with a recess and inclined plane, and a guiding member with protuberances, which allows for a simple, reliable, and durable sliding mechanism that automatically retracts the sliding rail into the stationary rail.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional automatic retractable devices are used, then the drawer can retract automatically, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic retraction functionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable mechanism is divided into independent functional modules: elastic members (springs) for providing retracting force, engaging plates with rods for connection and positioning, locators with recesses for securing the engaging rod, and guiding members with inclined planes for controlling motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function with a simple structure, avoiding the need for complex integrated mechanisms while achieving reliable automatic retraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Extent of automation

If conventional automatic retractable devices are used, then the drawer can retract automatically, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic retraction functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive, easily manufactured components such as elastic members (standard springs), simple metal plates with holes for engagement, basic locators with recesses, and guiding members with inclined planes. These components can be produced using conventional manufacturing processes and are readily replaceable, significantly reducing manufacturing costs compared to complex mechanical retractable devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If the sliding member structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the lifespan and durability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidlifespan of sliding member

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates elastic members (springs) that provide cushioning during the retraction process, absorbing impact forces when the sliding member reaches its retracted position. This beforehand cushioning protects the simple structural components from excessive mechanical stress and wear, thereby extending their lifespan and improving durability without adding structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The engaging rod interacts with the locator's recess and the guiding member's inclined plane to provide mechanical feedback that ensures proper engagement and positioning. This feedback mechanism ensures that the sliding member is correctly secured in both extended and retracted positions, preventing improper operation that could damage the simplified structure and extend its service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution provides a cost-effective, reliable, and durable sliding mechanism with a longer lifespan, ensuring smooth operation and easy style changes, while incorporating buffers and magnetic elements to enhance functionality and reduce noise.

Implementation Method 1

a first elastic member (11), wherein the first elastic member connects the sliding member (1) and the fixture (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a buffer (91, 92, 93)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuffering: Damping

Implementation Method 3

a magnetic element (94, 95)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS7878606B2Slide assembly having an automatic retractable device

Publication Date: 2011.02.01 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD

AI summary

A slide assembly having an automatic retractable device includes a sliding member, a fixture, a locator, a guiding member provided on a sliding rail, and a stationary rail. The sliding member is slidably disposed in the stationary rail. The fixture is secured at the end of the stationary rail. The locator is disposed in the stationary rail. The sliding member is linked to a first elastic member which urges the sliding member back to the fixture. An engaging plate is provided on the sliding member. The engaging plate has a first end and a second end. The first end of the engaging plate is pivotally connected to the sliding member. An engaging rod is provided on the second end of the engaging plate. The engaging rod is guided to engage with the guiding member of the sliding rail or the locator of the stationary rail.