Slide Rail Assembly with Linear-Motion Locking for Impact Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slide rail assemblies rely on locking members that unlock through rotation, which may not be suitable for diverse market requirements and can compromise structural strength and usability.

Innovation Solution

A slide rail assembly with a locking member that unlocks the second rail at a predetermined position without rotation, featuring a greater transverse movement range and enhanced impact resistance, utilizing elastic members to hold the locking member in place and allowing for manual unlocking through a linear motion of the operating member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a locking member that rotates to unlock is used, then the locking mechanism can be implemented, but the structural strength and adaptability to different thicknesses are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different thicknessesVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a rotating locking member that compromises structural strength, the patent inverts the approach by using a locking member that moves linearly along the longitudinal direction. This inversion allows the locking member to maintain better structural strength while still achieving the unlocking function, and simultaneously improves adaptability to different thicknesses through its linear movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the movement parameter of the locking member from rotational motion to linear motion along the longitudinal direction. This parameter change enables the locking member to adapt to different thicknesses by moving linearly, while maintaining structural strength because the linear movement path does not compromise the structural integrity of the rail assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If a locking member that rotates to unlock is used, then the locking mechanism can be implemented, but the transverse movement range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransverse movement rangeVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the unlocking mechanism from a rotating type to a linearly moving type. This inversion allows the locking member to achieve greater transverse movement range by moving along the longitudinal direction, thereby improving ease of operation and usability while maintaining a simple locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If a locking member with rotation is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the impact resistance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the locking mechanism from a rotating type to a linearly moving type. This inversion enhances impact resistance because the linear movement path provides better structural stability and resistance to impact forces, while the overall device complexity remains relatively simple through the use of elastic members and straightforward mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Loss of information

If visual cues for locking status are added, then user awareness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser awareness of locking statusVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes or visual indicators to provide feedback on the locking status. When the locking member is in the locked position, a specific visual cue is displayed; when unlocked, another visual cue appears. This improves user awareness of the locking status while adding minimal complexity through the use of visual indicators integrated into the existing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 provides improved adaptability to different thicknesses and enhanced structural strength while ensuring user awareness of the locking status through visual cues, enhancing the usability and reliability of the slide rail assembly.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing elastic members to hold the locking member in place

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4386161B1Slide rail assembly

Publication Date: 2025.06.25 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD

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AI summary

A slide rail assembly (20) includes a first rail (22), a second rail (24), a locking member (36), a driving member (38) and an operating member (26) . The second rail (24) is movable relative to the first rail (22). The locking member (36) is configured to lock the second rail (24) relative to the first rail (22) at a predetermined position. The driving member (38) is movable relative to the second rail (24) . When the operating member (26) is moved from an initial position to a non-initial position, the operating member (26) is configured to drive the driving member (38) to move to further drive the locking member (36) to move, in order to unlock the second rail (24) relative to the first rail (22) at the predetermined position.