Slide rail assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slide rail assemblies with damping devices often require a gear configuration to generate damping force, which may not be suitable for all market requirements, and there is a need for adjustable damping solutions to meet diverse applications.

Innovation Solution

A slide rail assembly with a damping device that includes multiple working members and damping modules, where the interaction between the working members and damping devices provides adjustable damping effects by switching between states to accommodate different movement directions and positions, allowing for customizable damping force generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a gear configuration is used to generate damping force, then a constant damping force can be provided, but the device complexity increases and adaptability to different market requirements decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping force consistencyVSAvoidgear configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the gear mechanism from the damping device, eliminating the need for gears while maintaining damping functionality. The working member directly interacts with the damping module through a simplified mechanical connection, removing the gear configuration that added complexity while preserving the ability to provide consistent damping force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The simplified working member design serves multiple functions: it provides damping force generation, allows for adjustable damping characteristics, and can accommodate different movement directions. This multi-functional design replaces the specialized gear mechanism, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability across various applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a gear configuration is used to generate damping force, then damping can be provided, but the adaptability to different market requirements decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping functionVSAvoidmarket requirement adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic working member that can adjust its interaction with the damping module based on movement direction and position. The working member transitions between different operational states (engaged and disengaged positions), allowing the damping device to adapt to various market requirements without the rigid structure of a gear mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for parameter changes in damping characteristics by modifying the working member's interaction with the damping module. The damping force can be adjusted by changing the engagement position, distance, or orientation of the working member, providing versatility for different market applications while maintaining reliable damping function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple working members and damping modules are used, then adjustable damping effects can be achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping adjustabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the damping system into modular working members and damping modules that can be independently configured. Each working member can interact with specific damping modules based on operational requirements, allowing for adjustable damping effects while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables flexible and adjustable damping effects during the movement of the second rail relative to the first rail, providing multiple stages of damping as needed, enhancing the adaptability of the slide rail assembly to various market requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The damping module is configured to provide damping force when the second rail is moved relative to the first rail from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The damping module includes a damping element that generates damping force through viscous resistance during relative movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4321053B1Slide rail assembly
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP4321053B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4321053B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4321053B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A slide rail assembly (20) includes a first rail (22), a second rail (24), a plurality of working members (26, 28, 30) and a damping module. The first and second rails (22, 24) are movable relative to each other. The plurality of working members (26, 28, 30) are arranged on the first rail (22) . The damping module is arranged on the second rail (24) . When the second rail (24) is moved relative to the first rail (22) from a predetermined position along a direction, one of the plurality of working members (26, 28, 30) is configured to interact with the damping module in order to provide damping effect. When the second rail (24) is further moved relative to the first rail (22) along the direction, another one of the plurality of working members (26, 28, 30) is configured to interact with the damping module in order to provide damping effect.