Multi-Support Slide Rail Assembly for Stable Extension Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slide rail assemblies often require a single supporting mechanism, which may not adequately support the displacement and retraction of multiple rails, leading to limitations in functionality and stability.

Innovation Solution

A slide rail assembly with multiple supporting mechanisms, including a first and second movable rail, a stationary rail, and engaging mechanisms, which allow for enhanced support and displacement control through a system of rolling members and elastic forces, enabling the rails to adjust their length and position effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single supporting mechanism is used between two slide rails, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and support capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidnumber of supporting mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting mechanism is divided into multiple independent supporting structures (first supporting structure, second supporting structure, third supporting structure) distributed along the slide rails. Each supporting structure independently supports specific sections of the slide rails, providing redundant support capability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting structures incorporate movable supporting components that can dynamically adjust their positions and support forces based on the displacement state of the slide rails. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal support reliability across different operational configurations without requiring a completely complex fixed structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple supporting mechanisms are added to improve support capability, then the reliability increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple supporting mechanisms are segmented into distinct modular units positioned at different locations along the slide rails. Each unit is a self-contained structure with standardized components, allowing the complexity to be managed through repetition of proven designs rather than creating entirely new complex structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting structures are designed with universal characteristics where similar components and design principles are reused across different supporting units. This multi-functionality approach allows the same basic structure to serve multiple supporting roles, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining high reliability through redundant support paths

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

3Manufacturing precision

If engaging mechanisms are added to control displacement and retraction, then the position control precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition control precisionVSAvoidnumber of engaging mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging mechanisms are positioned and pre-configured at specific locations along the slide rails to engage at predetermined displacement points. This preliminary positioning ensures that as the slide rails move, the engaging mechanisms automatically engage at the correct positions to provide precise control without requiring complex real-time adjustment systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The engaging mechanisms are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the displacement state of the slide rails themselves. The movement of the slide rails triggers the engaging mechanisms to activate or deactivate, allowing the system to self-regulate its position control without requiring external complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 improved support and flexibility, allowing for efficient displacement and retraction of rails, enhancing the assembly's stability and functionality, particularly in constrained spaces, by utilizing multiple supporting mechanisms and engaging systems.

Implementation Method 1

the slide-facilitating device has rolling balls or rollers configured to facilitate relative displacement of the at least two rails

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

an elastic member disposed inside the second movable rail and configured to drive the engaging mechanism in a disengaging state when the second movable rail is in the retracted position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3292788B1Slide rail assembly
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP3292788B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3292788B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3292788B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A slide rail assembly (20) includes at least two slide rails (32, 34), a slide-facilitating device (77), and a supporting structure (79). The slide-facilitating device (77) enables the two slide rails (32, 34) to be displaced smoothly with respect to each other. The supporting structure (79) serves to support a rail section of one of the two slide rails (32, 34).