Slide Rail Assembly with Elastic-Driven Handle Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide rail assemblies do not adequately address the need for versatile configurations to meet diverse market requirements, particularly in terms of rail movement and locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A slide rail assembly with a handle that can switch between states, utilizing an auxiliary member and elastic feature to facilitate movement from a retracted to an extended position, and vice versa, with interactive components to manage locking and unlocking states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism is used to prevent rail movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member automatically accumulates elastic force when the second rail is retracted and releases it to drive the auxiliary member to engage with the handle, creating a self-service locking mechanism that eliminates complex external locking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary member acts as an intermediary between the elastic member and the handle, transmitting the elastic force to achieve locking without requiring direct complex mechanical linkages
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple market-specific configurations are developed, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide rail assembly incorporates a universal handle mechanism that can perform multiple functions: it can be engaged by the auxiliary member for automatic locking, manually operated for controlled rail movement, and maintains structural integrity across different application scenarios, eliminating the need for market-specific configurations
3Ease of operation
If an automatic locking mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to mechanism failure
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member automatically accumulates elastic force during rail retraction and releases it to drive the auxiliary member to engage with the handle, creating a self-service locking mechanism that eliminates complex external locking systems
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a motor or actuator to force the locking engagement, the design inverts the approach by allowing the elastic member to naturally drive the auxiliary member into the handle through elastic force release, reducing mechanical complexity and potential failure points
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
Enables smooth and controlled movement of the second rail between retracted and extended positions, ensuring secure locking and unlocking mechanisms, enhancing versatility and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic feature is configured to accumulate a predetermined elastic force... the elastic feature is configured to release the predetermined elastic force to the auxiliary member
Data Source
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AI summary
A slide rail assembly (20) includes a first rail (22), a second rail (24), a handle (26), an auxiliary member (56) and an elastic feature (58) . The auxiliary member (56) is arranged on the second rail (24). When the second rail (24) is located at a retracted position relative to the first rail (22), the auxiliary member (56) abuts against the first rail (22) to allow the elastic feature (58) to accumulate a predetermined elastic force. When the handle (26) is moved to switch from a first state to a second state, the second rail (24) is movable from the retracted position to an extended position along an opening direction, and the elastic feature (58) releases the predetermined elastic force to the auxiliary member (56), such that the auxiliary member (56) and the handle (26) are engaged with each other to hold the handle (26) in the second state.