Coupling mechanism and slide rail assembly with cushioning function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide rail assemblies for furniture, such as undermount drawer slide rail systems, often lack a built-in cushioning mechanism, making them prone to interference and instability due to longitudinal gaps, and rely on additional components for cushioning which can be lost, disrupting the cushioning effect.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism with a cushioning structure and height/lateral adjustment features is integrated into the slide rail assembly, including a coupling base with an elastic portion and a height/lateral adjustment mechanism, allowing for indirect contact with the slide rail to compensate for gaps and adjust positioning, ensuring stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional slide rail assembly is used without a built-in cushioning mechanism, then the structure remains simple, but longitudinal gaps cause interference and instability between furniture parts and the slide rail
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning structure is integrated into the coupling mechanism of the slide rail assembly, combining the cushioning function with the existing structural components. This merging approach adds the cushioning capability without requiring a completely separate system, thereby improving reliability while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning structure is designed to compensate for longitudinal gaps before they cause interference or instability. By providing predetermined cushioning elements in advance, the system prevents harmful effects from gap variations rather than reacting to them after they occur.
2Reliability
If additional cushioning components are added to the slide rail assembly, then the cushioning effect is improved, but the components can be lost and disrupt the cushioning effect
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning structure is merged with the coupling mechanism itself, making the cushioning elements integral parts of the assembly rather than separate removable components. This integration ensures that cushioning elements cannot be lost while maintaining the cushioning effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism automatically maintains its cushioning function through its own structural design, without requiring separate cushioning components that need to be manually installed or maintained. The mechanism serves its own cushioning needs through integrated elastic or deformable elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling mechanism is made fixed without adjustment features, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot compensate for height or lateral misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic adaptation to different positioning requirements. These adjustable features enable the mechanism to compensate for height and lateral misalignment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled degrees of freedom.
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 a stable and adjustable coupling mechanism that compensates for longitudinal gaps, ensuring smooth operation and preventing interference between furniture parts and slide rails, enhancing the overall usability and durability of the slide rail assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling base includes an elastic portion, and the first base includes an engaging structure. The elastic portion has at least one first engaging section while the engaging structure has at least one second engaging section corresponding to the first engaging section.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling mechanism (34) adapted for a furniture part (24a) and a slide rail (30) includes a coupling base (82) and a cushioning structure (92). The coupling base (82) is detachably mounted on and in direct contact with the slide rail (30). The cushioning structure (92) is in indirect contact with the slide rail (30) and is configured to compensate for a possible gap (K) between the furniture part (24a) and the slide rail (30).