Slide Rail Lock Structure With Cam-Actuated Multi-Point Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slide lock structures for slide rail devices face challenges in achieving a simple structure while maintaining a reliable locked state with high mechanical strength.
Innovation Solution
The proposed slide lock structure incorporates a casing attached to the slider, featuring first and second lock members with cam surfaces and engagement projections, along with biasing members and an operating member. This configuration allows for a reliable locked state with high mechanical strength using a simple structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional slide lock structure uses an engagement claw of a lever rotatably supported by the slider to engage with rack teeth or recesses, then the locking function is achieved, but the mechanical strength and reliability of the locked state are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is divided into multiple engagement projections that can engage with multiple slots in the linear rail, distributing the locking force across multiple contact points. This segmentation enhances the mechanical strength and reliability of the locked state while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface is designed with a curved profile that converts rotational or linear motion of the operating member into lateral motion of the engagement projections. This curved geometry enables smooth transition between locked and unlocked states while maintaining high mechanical strength through optimized force distribution.
2Strength
If the slide lock structure uses multiple lock members with cam surfaces and engagement projections, then the mechanical strength of the locked state is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lock members are integrated into a single casing that is attached to the slider. The lock members share common biasing members and are actuated by a single operating member, reducing the number of independent components while maintaining the strength benefits of multiple engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface serves multiple functions: it guides the lateral motion of engagement projections, stores elastic energy during the locking cycle, and provides a mechanical advantage for actuation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components while maintaining high mechanical strength.
3Ease of operation
If the engagement projections are made laterally movable between engaged and disengaged positions, then the locking and unlocking function is achieved, but the structural simplicity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface acts as an intermediary mechanism that converts the simple linear or rotational motion of the operating member into the required lateral motion of multiple engagement projections. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the user operation while managing the complexity of coordinating multiple moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing members automatically return the engagement projections to the engaged position after unlocking, and the cam surface automatically guides the projections through the disengagement path. This self-service mechanism reduces the complexity of control systems while maintaining ease of operation.
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 slide lock structure effectively achieves a reliable locked state with high mechanical strength while maintaining a simple structure, facilitating easy assembly and minimizing size, thus enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the slide rail device.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member (68) urging the first lock member and the second lock member toward the engaged position
Implementation Method 2
a cooperating cam surface (94) slidably engaging the cam surface such that the first lock member and the second lock member are moved to the disengaged position
Data Source
AI summary
A slide lock structure includes a casing, a pair of lock members provided on the casing, and each provided with a cam surface formed on an outer side thereof, and engagement projections projecting laterally outward so as to be laterally movable between an engaged position in which the engagement projections are received in the slots, and a disengaged position in which the engagement projections are dislodged from the slots, a compression coil spring urging the lock members toward the engaged position, and an operating member provided on the casing in a movable manner, and provided with a cooperating cam surface slidably engaging the cam surface such that the lock members are moved to the disengaged position against a biasing force of the compression coil spring as the operating member is moved vertically.