Slide Assembly Positioning Mechanism for Push-Push Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slide assembly closing devices lack the ability to control the slide assembly's position effectively when it needs to be closed, especially when a self-closing function is required, and do not provide a locked relationship between the holding member and latch member.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary positioning device is introduced, comprising a first slide member, a second slide member, a positioning member, a guiding base, and a link member, which includes a pin member that moves through specific paths and slots in the guiding base, allowing the slide assembly to be easily operated when closed or opened by utilizing stored opening forces and elastic members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional closing device is used without auxiliary positioning, then the structure is simpler, but the slide assembly cannot be effectively controlled when closed and lacks a locked relationship between holding member and latch member
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member is divided into multiple functional segments: a holding portion with first and second raised areas (including notch and inclined guide track), and a separation body with guiding end. This segmentation allows each part to perform specific functions (locking, guiding, separating) independently, achieving reliable position control while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary positioning device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the holding member and latch member. It mediates their interaction by providing a controlled engagement path through the pin member moving along guide surfaces, enabling the locked relationship when needed while maintaining simplicity of the basic closing device structure.
2Ease of operation
If the holding member and latch member are always locked when closed, then the position is more stable, but the slide assembly cannot be easily operated when self-closing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic controllable state. The pin member can move between different positions along the guide surfaces, allowing the system to switch between locked (stable) and unlocked (easy to operate) states. The inclined guide track enables automatic engagement, while the separation body allows controlled disengagement when force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined guide track on the positioning member performs preliminary action by guiding the pin member into the notch position automatically as the slide assembly closes. This preliminary guidance ensures proper alignment and engagement before final locking occurs, making the closing operation smooth and requiring minimal force.
3Manufacturing precision
If the pin member moves through multiple paths and slots in the guiding base, then the positioning control is more precise, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding base integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides guide surfaces for precise pin member movement, contains slots for positioning at different stages, and incorporates the separation body for controlled disengagement. This multi-functionality achieves precise positioning control without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one component performs multiple critical functions.
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 auxiliary positioning device enables smooth operation of the slide assembly by controlling its position through the movement of the pin member, allowing for self-closing and self-opening functions with reduced force requirements and improved ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the pin member is guided by the first guide surface of the first wall and moves from the first path to the first slot
Implementation Method 2
The second slide member has a stored opening force relative to the first slide member when in a closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
A slide assembly with an auxiliary positioning device (16) includes a positioning member (30) and a guiding base (32). The positioning member (30) is pivotally connected to a first slide member (10) and includes a pin member (36). The guiding base (32) is connected to a second slide member (12) and includes a separation body (50), an engaging body (52), multiple passages (54, 56, 58) and slots (64a, 64b, 64c). When the second slide member (12) is retracted, the pin member (36) is located in a first passage (54). When the second slide member (12) is pushed inward, the pin member (36) moves from the first passage (54) into a first slot (64a). When the force is released, the pin member (36) moves through a second passage (56) and the second slide member (12) pops out. When the second slide member (12) is retracted again, the pin member (36) is engaged with the engaging body (52) and then disengaged from the engaging body (52) by a pushing force, the pin member (36) moves through a third slot (64a) and a third passage (54).