Slide rail assembly and returning device thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide rail assemblies with self-closing functions do not adequately address the needs of various usage environments and may fail due to external factors, leading to potential finger pinch and reduced service life of the elastic components.
Innovation Solution
A slide rail assembly with a returning device comprising an elastic member and a movable member that accumulates elastic force by being pressed, rather than stretched, and includes a guiding feature to restore the self-closing function upon failure, using metal materials for durability in extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastic member is stretched to accumulate elastic force, then the self-closing function is achieved, but the service life of the elastic component is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using compression instead of tension to store elastic energy. The elastic member (32) is compressed when the movable member (34) moves to the extended position, and this compressed elastic force drives the return motion, thereby extending the service life of the elastic component while maintaining the self-closing function.
2Reliability
If the movable member is driven back to retracted position, then the self-closing function is achieved, but finger pinch hazard occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a blocking part (48) that prevents the movable member (34) from returning to the retracted position under normal operation. This blocking part engages with the first connecting member (56) to halt the return motion before complete retraction, thereby eliminating the finger pinch hazard while still allowing the self-closing function to operate through the elastic force accumulation mechanism.
3Reliability
If the elastic member is stretched along the extending direction, then the self-closing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elastic member (32) directly into the housing (36) structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting components and complex tensioning mechanisms. The elastic member is positioned to be compressed by the movable member's motion itself, integrating the energy storage function into the existing structural elements and thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 assembly provides a reliable self-closing function with extended service life and prevents finger pinch by restoring the function without complete retraction, while being resistant to high temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a returning device (26) arranged on the first rail (22), the returning device (26) comprising an elastic member (32) and a movable member (34)... the movable member (34) is configured to drive the second rail (24) to move along a retracting direction to a retracted position by using an elastic force (F) of the elastic member (32)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A slide rail assembly (20) includes a first rail (22), a second rail (24), a returning device (26) and a connecting device (28) . The returning device (26) is arranged on the first rail (22) and includes an elastic member (32) and a movable member (34). The connecting device (28) is arranged on the second rail (24) and includes a first connecting member (56) and a second connecting member (58) . During a process of the second rail (24) being moved relative to the first rail (22) from an extended position along a retracting direction, the second connecting member (58) is configured to contact the movable member (34), in order to drive the movable member (34) to switch from a second state to a first state. Accordingly, the second rail (24) is configured to be driven to move to a retracted position by an elastic force of the elastic member (32).