Slide Assembly Fixing Bracket With Spring-Latched Rack Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices for slide assemblies compromise structural strength and stability due to slots in installation members, which affect secure connection to racks and hinder easy installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a support member, bracket, and resilient member that includes an engaging member with a protrusion extending beyond a slot, allowing secure connection to a rack while enabling easy disconnection by pivoting the engaging member, utilizing a spring force to maintain stability and facilitate toolless mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the arm directly extends through the installation member with a slot, then the hook can protrude from the slot to engage with the rack, but the slot reduces the structural strength of the installation member and affects stability
Solution Approach 1:
The installation member is divided into two functional parts: a slotless installation member for structural strength and a separate arm with hook for engagement. The arm is inserted through the installation member but the installation member itself has no slot, maintaining its structural integrity while still allowing the arm to pass through and engage with the rack.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful slot is extracted from the installation member. Instead of having the slot in the installation member, the slotless design removes this weakness entirely. The arm still needs to pass through, but the installation member remains solid and strong, solving the contradiction between ease of installation and structural strength.
2Reliability
If the hook protrudes from the slot by spring force to engage with the rack, then connection is secure, but the protruding hook affects the installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is pre-inserted into the installation member before the actual installation to the rack. The spring force is pre-loaded to push the hook outward, but the hook remains retracted during the installation process itself, allowing easy installation without interference. Once installed, the spring force maintains secure engagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a slot is provided in the installation member to allow arm movement, then the engaging member can be operated, but the slot reduces structural strength and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The functions are segmented between the arm (which moves and engages) and the installation member (which remains stable and strong). The arm contains the movement and engagement features, while the installation member provides structural stability without needing a slot.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm acts as an intermediary between the installation member and the rack. It transmits the engagement force and provides the moving hook, while the installation member remains a stable, slotless component that simply provides mounting points and structural support.
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 secure and stable connection to racks while allowing for easy installation and removal, enhancing structural integrity and simplifying the mounting process without reducing the strength of the installation member.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient member provides a force to the engaging member to extend the first protrusion beyond the slot of the insertion member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A fixing device (12, 200) of a slide assembly (10) has a bracket (18). The fixing device (12, 200) includes an insertion member (34, 202), an engaging member (36, 204) and a resilient member (38). The insertion member (34, 202) is connected to the bracket (18) and has a slot (46). The engaging member (36, 204) is pivotally connected relative to the bracket (18) and has an operation portion (60) and an arm (62, 208) which extends through the slot (46) of the insertion member (34, 202). The arm (62, 208) has a first protrusion (66). The resilient member (38) provides a force to the engaging member (36, 204) to extend the first protrusion (66) beyond the slot (46) of the insertion member (34, 202). By moving the operation portion (60), the first protrusion (66) is controlled to be retracted toward the slot (46) of the insertion member (34, 202).