Slide rail assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slide rail assemblies face reliability issues due to the lack of a detachment prevention mechanism in the moving pin guide and moving pin, leading to unstable self-closing functions and difficulty in adjusting the returning distance of the inner movable rail relative to the fixed rail.

Innovation Solution

A slide rail assembly comprising a first rail, a second rail, a base, an elastic member, and a working member with an actuating structure that includes a holding feature to prevent detachment and allows for adjustable returning distances, utilizing an elastic force to retract the second rail from a predetermined position to a retracted position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the moving pin guide and moving pin are used without detachment prevention mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the reliability of self-closing function deteriorates due to unstable engagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of self-closing functionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating structure is divided into first and second parts with distinct functions: the first part engages with the engaging feature for actuation, while the second part forms a holding feature for detachment prevention. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, improving reliability without significantly increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding feature is designed to automatically engage with the engaging feature before detachment can occur. This preliminary engagement action prevents potential detachment issues before they arise, ensuring reliable self-closing function without requiring complex additional mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the moving pin penetrates through the movable member, then the structure is simple, but the stability deteriorates causing shaking during movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability during movementVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating structure is segmented into two parts where the second part extends beyond the first part to form a holding feature. This segmentation provides lateral support to the engaging feature, preventing shaking during movement while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding feature acts as an intermediary element between the actuating structure and the engaging feature, providing lateral support and stability during engagement and movement, thereby reducing shaking without requiring complete redesign of the penetration mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the rectilinear guide portion and curved guide portion are fixed on the fixed member, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability deteriorates making returning distance unadjustable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of returning distanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating structure is designed to be movable relative to the base, allowing the first and second parts to adjust their positions dynamically. This enables adjustment of the returning distance by changing the engagement point on the actuating structure, providing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating structure serves multiple functions: it provides the engaging feature interface, forms the holding feature for detachment prevention, and enables adjustable returning distance through its movability. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances the reliability and stability of the slide rail assembly by preventing detachment of the engaging feature and allowing for adjustable returning distances, ensuring smooth operation and improved engagement between the rails.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic member is configured to accumulate an elastic force along a direction toward the first position in order to retract the second rail from a predetermined position to the retracted position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10660436B2Slide rail assembly
Publication Date: 2020.05.26 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • US10660436B2 patent drawing
  • US10660436B2 patent drawing
  • US10660436B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a base, an elastic member and a working member. The first rail is arranged with a positioning part. The second rail is movable relative to the first rail from a retracted position along a first direction and arranged with an engaging feature. The base is movably mounted to the first rail. The working member is rotatable relative to the base and arranged with an actuating structure. The actuating structure includes first and second parts. The second part is configured to be engaged with the positioning part, so as to allow the elastic member to accumulate an elastic force along a second direction. The first part is configured to be engaged with the engaging feature. The first part is arranged with a holding feature for preventing the engaging feature from being detached from the working member along a predetermined direction.