Slide rail assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slide rail assemblies require manual operation to switch the locking member from a locking state to an unlocking state, which is inconvenient for detachment from a rack.

Innovation Solution

A slide rail assembly design where the locking member is driven to switch states through relative movement between the first rail and the second bracket device, eliminating the need for manual operation by abutting predetermined features on the first rail and locking member during detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation is required to switch the locking member from locking state to unlocking state, then the locking mechanism is simple and reliable, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenient detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of detachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first rail is pre-configured with a first predetermined feature that automatically interacts with the locking member's second predetermined feature during the detachment process. This preliminary configuration enables the locking member to be automatically driven to the unlocking state simply by performing the detachment movement, eliminating the need for separate manual unlocking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member is designed to automatically switch from locking state to unlocking state through its own interaction with the first rail during detachment. The relative movement between the first rail and second bracket device causes the predetermined features to abut, which self-drivenly actuates the locking member without requiring external manual intervention or additional unlocking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual operation is required to unlock the locking member, then the device structure remains simple, but the productivity deteriorates due to additional time required for unlocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment speedVSAvoidoperational steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The first predetermined feature on the first rail is pre-positioned to engage with the second predetermined feature on the locking member during the natural detachment movement sequence. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the unlocking action occurs automatically as part of the detachment process, eliminating the need for separate unlocking steps and thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The unlocking function is merged with the detachment movement. By configuring the predetermined features to interact during relative movement, the patent combines what would traditionally be separate actions (unlocking and detachment) into a single integrated motion, reducing the total number of operational steps and improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If the locking member requires manual operation to switch states, then the mechanism maintains simplicity, but the user experience deteriorates due to lack of automation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of locking memberVSAvoidcomplexity of rail and bracket assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member is designed to be self-actuating through its interaction with the first rail. During detachment, the relative movement between the first rail and second bracket device causes the predetermined features to abut, which automatically drives the locking member to switch from locking state to unlocking state without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The first predetermined feature on the first rail is pre-configured to engage with the second predetermined feature on the locking member at the appropriate moment during detachment. This preliminary configuration enables automatic actuation of the locking member, achieving a high extent of automation while maintaining relatively simple device structure through clever geometric design rather than complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250311847A1Slide rail assembly
Publication Date: 2025.10.09 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • US20250311847A1 patent drawing
  • US20250311847A1 patent drawing
  • US20250311847A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a first bracket device and a second bracket device. The first rail includes a first predetermined feature. The first bracket device is arranged on the first rail. The second bracket device and the first rail are movable relative to each other. The second bracket device includes a locking member having a second predetermined feature. During a relative movement between the first rail and the second bracket device, the first predetermined feature of the first rail and the second predetermined feature of the locking member are configured to abut against each other, in order to move the locking member to switch from a first state to a second state.