Slide Rail Assembly with Adjustable Width for Rack-Mounted Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional slide rail assemblies are limited by a fixed transverse width between posts, making it difficult to mount objects wider than the standard width, as the sum of the object's width and the rail assembly's width must equal the fixed post width for proper fitting.

Innovation Solution

The slide rail assembly is designed with a first rail and a second rail that are longitudinally connected, where a portion of the rail's width is arranged within the accommodation space between the posts, allowing for increased flexibility and accommodating objects of varying widths by adjusting the position of the second and third rails relative to the first rail, with support members and blocking portions facilitating smooth displacement and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the transverse width of the slide rail assembly is increased to accommodate wider objects, then the adaptability to different object widths is improved, but the available space between the fixed posts is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different object widthsVSAvoidavailable space between posts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The slide rail assembly is divided into multiple segments (first rail, second rail, third rail) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the total transverse width to be distributed across different longitudinal positions, enabling wider objects to be accommodated by spreading the rail width across the available space between posts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slide rails are designed to be longitudinally movable relative to each other, transforming the rigid fixed-width structure into a dynamic adjustable structure. This allows the transverse width distribution to be changed by moving the rails longitudinally, adapting to different object widths while maintaining proper support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple rails are added to increase the transverse width capacity, then the ability to mount wider objects is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacity to mount wider objectsVSAvoidnumber of rails and connection mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each slide rail is designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling longitudinal movement for width adjustment, and facilitating the mounting of objects with varying widths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite adding multiple rails.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the slide rails are made longitudinally movable to adjust width, then the flexibility to accommodate different objects is improved, but the stability during movement may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility to accommodate different objectsVSAvoidstability during rail displacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Support members are introduced as intermediary elements between the slide rails and the object being mounted. These support members provide stable contact points and distribute loads during the longitudinal displacement of the rails, ensuring that the object remains stable even as the rail positions are adjusted to accommodate different widths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3068200B1Slide rail assembly
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP3068200B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3068200B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3068200B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A slide rail assembly (20) to be mounted to a first post (26a) and a second post (26b) of a rack (24) is provided. The two posts (26a, 26b) define an accommodation space (S) therebetween. The slide rail assembly (20) is mounted between the first post (26a) and the second post (26b) by two brackets (34, 36) and includes a transverse width (W3). A portion of the transverse width (W4) is arranged within the accommodation space (S) so as to provide more space and thereby facilitate the mounting of an object (22) to the rack (24).