Slide Rail Interlock Mechanism With Cable Locking and Auto Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interlocking devices for slide rail structures are imperfect as they often get damaged when drawers are not pushed into the correct predetermined position, leading to safety hazards and the need for repair or replacement.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking device for slide rails featuring a fixed base, sliding block, rotary disc, stop block, and springs that utilize a cable locking mechanism to ensure reliable locking and automatic return to the original position, preventing damage and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional interlocking devices are used to lock slide rails, then the locking function is achieved, but the device may be damaged when drawers are not pushed into the correct position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a return mechanism with springs that act as a cushioning system. When the drawer is not pushed into the correct position, the spring absorbs the impact force and prevents damage to the interlocking device. The return groove guides the stop block to reset the mechanism, ensuring the device can withstand incorrect positioning without damage while maintaining reliable locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop block acts as an intermediary element between the drawer pulley and the rotary disc. It transfers the driving force when the drawer is correctly positioned while also serving as a protective element that can be reset through the return groove, mediating between the locking function and the protection against incorrect positioning.
2Strength
If the interlocking device is designed to be robust and damage-resistant, then device durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking device is segmented into distinct functional components: a stop block for force transmission, a rotary disc for locking engagement, and a return mechanism with springs for automatic reset. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including the rotatable disc that moves between locked and unlocked positions, and the spring-based return mechanism that provides automatic reset capability. These dynamic features enable the device to adapt to correct and incorrect positioning scenarios without requiring complex protective structures.
3Device complexity
If a simple interlocking mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to automatically return to original position is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The return mechanism enables the interlocking device to reset itself automatically without external intervention. When the drawer is not correctly positioned, the stop block enters the return groove and the spring automatically returns the rotary disc and stop block to their original positions, providing self-service reset functionality with minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device exhibits periodic action through its automatic reset cycle. The spring-based return mechanism periodically restores the rotary disc and stop block to their initial positions after each locking attempt, creating a rhythmic lock-reset cycle that simplifies the overall control system while maintaining automation.
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 interlocking device effectively locks other slide rails when actuated and automatically returns to its original position, preventing cabinet tipping and reducing the risk of damage, thus enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring and a second spring disposed respectively between the first hook portion and the third hook portion and between the second hook portion and the fourth hook portion to drive the stop block, the rotary disc, and the sliding block to be returned back to the original positions
Data Source
AI summary
An interlocking device for a slide rail is connected with other interlocking devices through a cable. The interlocking device has a sliding block and a rotary disc disposed on a fixed base. The rotary disc is disposed thereon with a stop block. The sliding block and the stop block are connected with the rotary disc respectively by second springs to link each other. The stop block is connected with a pulley of a slide rail. The sliding block is connected with the cable so that when the slide rail slides outward, the slide rail drives the stop block, the rotary disc, and the sliding block to move synchronously. After the pulley is separated from the stop block, the cable is drawn tightly by the sliding block to lock the other interlocking devices.