Slide Rail Retention Structure With Elastic Hold-Open Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slide rail assemblies with locking mechanisms are complex and costly, while those using soft cushion members suffer from abrasion and reduced stability with repeated use, failing to securely retain the rail in a retracted position.
Innovation Solution
A slide rail assembly featuring a holding member with an elastic section and a protruding holding section that engages with a hole on the second rail, allowing secure retention in the retracted position through elastic engagement and disengagement, utilizing rolling balls for smooth movement and a stop portion for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with release mechanism is used to fix the slide rail assembly in retracted position, then the fixing capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of the locking mechanism and implements it directly through the structural geometry of the holding member and engaging portion. The holding member's protruding holding section and the engaging portion's hole are designed to interlock when the second rail is in retracted position, eliminating the need for separate locking and release mechanisms while maintaining reliable fixing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member and engaging portion are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the second rail. When the second rail is retracted, the holding section and hole automatically lock together; when extended, they automatically separate. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates complex control systems while ensuring reliable positioning.
2Device complexity
If a soft cushion member is used to fix the slide rail assembly in retracted position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to abrasion with repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the durable but complex locking mechanism with a simple holding member structure. While the soft cushion member approach uses a simple component, it suffers from wear. The holding member with its elastic section and holding section provides a durable, wear-resistant solution that maintains fixing capability over repeated cycles without requiring replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member combines an elastic section with a holding section, creating a composite structure that provides both flexibility for engagement and rigidity for secure locking. This composite design ensures reliable fixing capability while maintaining simplicity, avoiding the wear problems of soft cushion members.
3Device complexity
If a soft cushion member is used for retention, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability deteriorates as friction and fixing capability reduce with wear
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging portion is designed with a hole geometry that complements the holding section's shape. This curved, interlocking geometry provides stable engagement that maintains consistent friction and fixing capability throughout the operational cycle, preventing the stability deterioration seen in linear rubbing contacts like soft cushion members.
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 elastic engagement mechanism provides reliable and stable retention of the slide rail assembly in the retracted position, reducing wear and tear and maintaining friction and fixing capability, thus enhancing the assembly's stability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The holding member has an elastic section and a holding section, and the holding section protrudes from the elastic section by a height
Implementation Method 2
utilizing rolling balls for smooth movement
Data Source
AI summary
A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail and a holding member. The second rail has an engaging portion. The holding member is mounted to the first rail. The holding member has an elastic section and a holding section. The holding section protrudes from the elastic section by a height. When the second rail is located in a retracted position relative to the first rail, the engaging portion of the second rail engages with the holding section of the holding member. When the second rail is moved away from the retracted position relative to the first rail, the engaging portion of the second rail disengages from the holding section of the holding member.