Slide Rail Assembly with Rotation-Based Hook Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide rail mounting systems are complex and affect overall functionality, particularly in locking and releasing mechanisms, which hinder efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A slide rail assembly comprising a rail element, supporting frame, extension element, first and second brackets, a hook, and an elastic element, where the hook is blocked by the rail element to prevent movement relative to a bracket, utilizing an elastic force to secure the hook in place and facilitate easy dismounting by reversing the rail element's direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components (floating pin, arch door shaped bending piece, limit screws, return springs) is used to secure the slide rail back mounting frame, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and overall functions may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is divided into a latch body and a separate latch arm component. The latch arm is configured to rotate relative to the latch body, allowing the locking and unlocking functions to be separated into distinct mechanical actions. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure while maintaining reliable locking through the rotation-based mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex multi-component system with floating pins and bending pieces, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple rotation-based latch mechanism. The latch arm rotates between locked and unlocked positions, eliminating the need for complex spring-loaded floating pins and arch door shaped bending pieces, thus reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Device complexity
If a one-body formed spring piece is used as the latch member, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the latch arms cannot be easily moved away from the close position
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arm is configured to rotate relative to the latch body, transforming the static one-body spring piece into a dynamic system. This rotation capability allows the latch arm to be easily moved between locked and unlocked positions by applying force to rotate it away from the close position, significantly improving ease of operation while keeping the latch member structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element acts as an intermediary between the latch body and the latch arm, enabling relative rotation while maintaining structural integrity. This intermediary connection allows the latch arm to rotate freely for easy operation while still being part of the overall latch mechanism, solving the contradiction between simple structure and easy operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the depression of the latch member and the end plate of the bracket are located at the same side of the post, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation worsens because the latch arms must be elastically bent to move away from the close position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the operational mechanism by placing the blocking wall at the opposite side of the post relative to the end plate. This spatial inversion allows the latch arm to be rotated away from the close position by pushing against the blocking wall from the opposite side, eliminating the need for elastic bending and making operation easier while maintaining precise component positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism utilizes rotational movement in a different dimensional plane. Instead of elastic bending in one direction, the latch arm rotates around an axis perpendicular to the post, allowing operation from the opposite side. This dimensional change enables easier operation without compromising manufacturing precision of the component positioning.
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 simplifies the locking and releasing mechanism, ensuring the hook remains in a closed position to prevent movement away from the post, while allowing easy detachment by reversing the rail element's direction, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element configured to apply an elastic force to the hook
Data Source
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AI summary
A slide rail assembly (20) includes a rail element (30), a bracket (22) and a hook (32). The bracket (22) is connected to the rail element (30) and configured to be mounted to a post (26) . The hook (32) is connected to the bracket (22). When the bracket (22) is mounted to the post (26), the rail element (30) can be operatively moved to be adjacent to the hook (32) in order to block the hook (32) from moving relative to the bracket (22), such that the hook (32) can be held at a position relative to the post (26).