Slide Rail Kit with Tool-Free Elastic Locking for Rack Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slide rail kits require tools for mounting and demounting, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially in situations where tool access is limited.

Innovation Solution

A slide rail kit comprising a first rail with a mounting feature and a locking member, where the locking member is configured to be held at the outer side of the rail's side wall in response to an elastic force, allowing tool-free mounting and demounting by operating the locking member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional mounting features and mounting parts are used to mount the slide rail to the rack, then the mounting is secure and reliable, but tools (such as screws) are required which makes the process time-consuming and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mountingVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting part is designed to automatically engage with the mounting feature through elastic force without requiring external tools. The elastic member provides self-service by automatically pushing the mounting member into the mounting feature, eliminating the need for screwdrivers or other mounting tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting part transitions from a static component to a dynamic one by incorporating an elastic member that can deform and recover. This dynamic characteristic allows the mounting member to be pushed into the mounting feature and then locked in place, enabling tool-free mounting while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the bracket is positioned higher than the rail member to correspond with higher mounting features, then the mounting structure can be adapted to different rack configurations, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to rack specificationsVSAvoidbracket positioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting part is designed as a universal component that can adapt to different mounting feature positions on various rack types. By positioning the mounting part on the bracket rather than directly on the rail member, the same mounting part can engage with mounting features at different heights, making the slide rail kit compatible with multiple rack specifications without requiring different components.

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

Enables rapid and tool-free mounting and demounting of the slide rail kit to and from a rack, improving convenience and efficiency while meeting different market requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The locking part is configured to be held at the outer side of the side wall of the first rail in response to an elastic force of an elastic structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The mounting member is configured to be mounted to the second predetermined portion of the rack from an outer side of the bracket in response to an elastic force of the elastic member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4546960A1Slide rail kit
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP4546960A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4546960A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4546960A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A slide rail kit (20, 200) includes a first rail (22, 202) and a locking member (24, 204) . The first rail (22, 202) is arranged with a mounting feature (52, 223). The locking member (24, 204) is arranged on the first rail (22, 202) . The mounting feature (52, 223) is configured to mount the first rail (22, 202) to a mounting structure (82, 250) of a rack (76, 248) . The locking member (24, 204) includes a locking part (58, 230) and an operating part (60, 232). The locking part (58, 230) is configured to be held in a state being blocked by the rack (76, 248) in response to an elastic force of an elastic structure (62, 234) . The operating part (60, 232) is configured to be operated to move the locking part (58, 230) away from the state being blocked by the rack (76, 248).