Slide rail assembly and rack system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bidirectional slide rails are limited in their ability to extend beyond the rear and forward ends of a rack, restricting their practical application.

Innovation Solution

A slide rail assembly comprising a first rail, a second rail, and a blocking member, along with additional mechanisms for simultaneous and rearward displacement, allowing the second rail to extend beyond the first rail in both directions, with features like elastic elements, moving elements, and positioning mechanisms for controlled movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the slide rail is mounted at a fixed position on the rack, then the mounting structure is simple and stable, but the slide rail cannot be extended beyond the rear end or forward end of the rack

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextension length of slide railVSAvoidcomplexity of slide rail assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slide rail assembly is divided into multiple segments: a first rail fixed to the rack, a second rail that can move relative to the first rail, and optionally a third rail that can move relative to the second rail. This segmentation allows each segment to contribute to the overall extension length while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slide rail assembly transitions from a static fixed mounting to a dynamic multi-position system. The blocking member can be operated to switch between blocking and non-blocking states, enabling the second rail to extend beyond the rack ends when needed while returning to a stable retracted position otherwise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the second rail is displaced to extend beyond the rack ends, then the adaptability and utility of the slide rail assembly is enhanced, but the stability and positioning control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of slide rail displacementVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of slide rail
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is positioned in advance to prevent the second rail from moving beyond desired limits. When the blocking member is in the blocking state, it proactively prevents unauthorized or uncontrolled displacement, ensuring positioning accuracy while allowing flexibility when the blocking member is operated to exit the blocking state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Enables bidirectional displacement of the slide rail assembly, enhancing its adaptability and utility by allowing the second rail to extend beyond the rack's ends, facilitating flexible mounting and increased extension length.

Implementation Method 1

The first moving element is arranged on the second rail and is at an initial position in response to the first elastic element generating an elastic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The second moving element is arranged on the second rail and is at an initial position in response to the second elastic element generating an elastic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3550944B1Slide rail assembly and rack system
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP3550944B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3550944B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3550944B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

A slide rail assembly (24) includes a first rail (26), a second rail (28), and a blocking member (76). The blocking member (76) is arranged adjacent to the rear end (26b) of the first rail (26) and can be operated so as to enter or exit a blocking state (S1). The blocking member (76) in the blocking state (S1) serves to block the rear end (28b) of the second rail (28). When the blocking member (76) is not in the blocking state (S1), and the second rail (28) reaches a rearwardly extended position (E2) after displacement with respect to the first rail (26), the rear end (28b) of the second rail (28) extends beyond the rear end (26b) of the first rail (26).