Slide Assembly Buffering Mechanism for Vibration-Locked Drawers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push-open type slide assemblies are prone to sudden unlocking and drawer ejection due to external impacts or vibrations, leading to unexpected drawer opening.

Innovation Solution

A buffering device is integrated into the slide assembly, comprising a positioning member, a swing member, a push member, a resilient member, and an engaging member, which absorbs vibration forces and maintains the engaging block engaged with the pin, preventing unexpected drawer ejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the slide assembly uses a locking device to maintain the retracted position, then the drawer remains securely closed, but external impacts or vibrations can cause sudden unlocking and unexpected drawer ejection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidvibration sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The buffering device is installed beforehand in the slide assembly to cushion and absorb external impacts and vibrations before they can affect the locking mechanism. The buffering member positioned between the positioning member and the first rail creates a protective buffer zone that mitigates harmful forces, preventing sudden unlocking while maintaining secure locking during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffering device acts as an intermediary element between the external environment (sources of vibration and impact) and the locking mechanism. By introducing this intermediate buffering structure, the harmful vibrations are absorbed and isolated, allowing the locking device to maintain its function without being directly subjected to disruptive forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the slide assembly structure is simplified without a buffering device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the assembly becomes vulnerable to external forces causing unexpected opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidanti-vibration performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The slide assembly is segmented into functional modules: the locking device for securing the drawer, the positioning member for maintaining position, and the buffering device for absorbing vibrations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, adding vibration protection without requiring a complete redesign of the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The buffering device serves as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the simple locking mechanism and the requirement for vibration resistance. It is integrated into the existing structure through the positioning member, providing enhanced reliability while maintaining relatively simple overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the buffering member is made more rigid to better resist external forces, then the anti-vibration performance improves, but the buffering capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce resistanceVSAvoidvibration absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The buffering member is designed with specific material and structural parameters that allow it to exhibit appropriate flexibility for vibration absorption while maintaining sufficient strength. By carefully selecting and adjusting parameters such as material composition, cross-sectional geometry, and mounting configuration, the buffering member achieves optimal balance between rigidity and cushioning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 buffering device effectively absorbs external forces, preventing the slide assembly from unlocking and ensuring the drawer remains securely retracted, reducing the likelihood of unexpected opening.

Implementation Method 1

A resilient member is located between the positioning member and the push member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The buffering member is deformed for absorbing vibration force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8469468B2Slide assembly with buffering device
Publication Date: 2013.06.25 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • US8469468B2 patent drawing
  • US8469468B2 patent drawing
  • US8469468B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A slide assembly with a buffering device includes a positioning member, a swing member, a push member, a resilient member and an engaging member, all of which are connected to the slide assembly having a first rail and a second rail. The positioning member is movably connected to the first rail and the swing member is pivotably connected to the positioning member. The push member is connected to the positioning member and biased by the resilient member so as to move longitudinally. The engaging member is connected to the second rail. A buffering member is located between the positioning member and the first rail. The buffering member maintains the positioning member at a first position relative to the first rail.