Self-Closing Slide Assembly With Damped Drawer Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatically-closing slide assemblies lack effective dampening of the closing movement and are not cost-effectively manufactured.
Innovation Solution
A self-closing slide assembly with telescopically engaged segments, including an outer, intermediate, and inner slide segment, utilizing biasing elements and bearing assemblies for smooth movement, and a dampener to control the closing force, while being constructed from aluminum for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automatic closure arrangement is implemented, then the slide assembly closes automatically, but the closing movement lacks dampening control
Solution Approach 1:
The dampener is pre-configured within the slide assembly structure to provide dampening force before the closing movement completes. The biasing elements are also pre-loaded to provide the necessary closing force, so that when the drawer is released, both the closing action and dampening control are automatically activated without requiring user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampener acts as an intermediary element between the biasing elements and the slide segments. It mediates the closing force by providing controlled resistance that dampens the closing movement, allowing the automatic closure to occur smoothly without sudden impacts or uncontrolled motion.
2Reliability
If multiple slide segments with self-closing arrangement are used, then reliable closure is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide assembly is divided into multiple telescopic segments (first, second, and third segments) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be produced using cost-effective processes and enables modular manufacturing, reducing overall production costs while maintaining reliable self-closing functionality through the coordinated action of biasing elements across segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic segments are nested within each other, with the second segment telescoping within the first and the third within the second. This nested configuration allows multiple functional elements to be integrated into a compact structure that uses minimal materials and space, reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable closure through the distributed biasing elements.
3Ease of manufacture
If aluminum material with extrusion process is used, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aluminum extrusion process allows for changing the cross-sectional parameters and geometry of the slide segments to incorporate multiple functional features (bearing surfaces, dampener mounting points, biasing element attachment points) directly into the extruded profiles. This integration of multiple functions into single extruded components reduces the need for additional parts and assembly steps, managing structural complexity while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
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, smoothly operating, and securely locking slide assembly that effectively dampens the closing movement, ensuring reliable and efficient operation in supporting loads like drawers in commercial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a self-closing arrangement comprising a first biasing element and a second biasing element, wherein each of the first and second biasing elements are carried by the outer slide segment and provide a closing force
Implementation Method 2
a dampener to control the closing force, while being constructed from aluminum for cost-effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
A slide assembly includes an outer slide segment, preferably at least one intermediate slide segment and an inner slide segment. An automatic closure arrangement applies a closing force to one or both of the inner and intermediate slide segments. In some configurations, a dampening arrangement dampens at least a portion of the travel of the slide assembly, such as the end portion of the closing travel of the slide assembly. The automatic closure arrangement can include two biasing elements, such as upper and lower constant force springs. The closure force of the constant force springs can be applied directly to the intermediate slide segment and the inner slide segment can be coupled for closing movement to the intermediate slide segment.