Slide Rail Ball Bearing Support for Retracted Cable Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
In slide assemblies with foldable cable management arms, there is a lack of support between the inner and outer rails when the inner rail is fully retracted, leading to twisting and sloping of the cable management arm, which interferes with normal operation.
Innovation Solution
A ball bearing carrier is integrated into the inner rail with upper and lower ball receiving channels that contain rolling ball bearings, providing continuous support along the sliding motion of the inner rail relative to the outer rail, preventing twisting and sloping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If ball bearings are used as slide media between inner rail and outer rail, then friction is reduced and sliding motion is enabled, but the end of the inner rail becomes unsupported when fully retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The ball bearing support system is segmented into multiple zones: ball bearings are positioned at specific intervals along the outer rail rather than continuously distributed. This segmentation allows the rail ends to be supported at critical locations while maintaining sliding functionality in between, resolving the contradiction between enabling motion and providing support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary support structure (additional ball bearings or support elements) positioned between the main ball bearing tracks and the rail ends. These intermediary elements specifically address the unsupported end region without interfering with the primary sliding mechanism, thus maintaining both motion capability and end support.
2Volume of moving object
If the inner rail is fully retracted into the outer rail, then space is saved, but the end of the inner rail becomes suspended and vulnerable to twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary support actions by positioning ball bearings and support elements in advance at locations where the inner rail end will contact during retraction. This ensures that when the rail is fully retracted, the end is already supported and prevented from twisting, rather than relying on reactive support mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support characteristics are made local rather than uniform: the density and positioning of ball bearings are optimized for different regions. The rail end region receives enhanced support coverage compared to intermediate sections, allowing full retraction while preventing twisting at the vulnerable end location through localized quality enhancement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable cable management arm is connected to the end of the inner rail, then cable management functionality is achieved, but the cable management arm sags due to insufficient support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary support elements (additional ball bearings or support structures) positioned specifically to support the cable management arm connection point. These intermediary supports act as mediators between the inner rail and the cable management arm, providing the necessary strength to prevent sagging while allowing the arm to fold and extend as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system applies local quality enhancement at the cable management arm connection location. Ball bearings or support elements are concentrated or reinforced at this specific region to provide extra strength where the arm attaches to the inner rail, preventing sagging without affecting the overall foldability and versatility of the cable management system.
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 ensures a steady and safe support for the slide assembly, preventing the cable management arm from sagging and maintaining normal operation of connected drawers or objects.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of ball bearings are contained in both the upper and the lower ball receiving channels, and the ball bearings roll along the open sections of the upper and the lower ball receiving channels to support the outer rail
Data Source
AI summary
A slide assembly may be associated with a foldable cable management arm. The slide assembly includes inner and outer rails. The inner rail is slidable in the outer rail. The inner rail includes a ball bearing carrier disposed close to an end of the inner rail. The ball bearing carrier includes upper and lower ball receiving channels. The inner rail may be directly provided with the upper and the lower ball receiving channels and the ball bearings. Each of the upper and the lower ball receiving channels includes an open section positioned in use facing the outer rail. A plurality of ball bearings are contained in both the upper and the lower ball receiving channels and roll along the open sections of the upper and the lower ball receiving channels to support the outer rail.