Slide Rail Latch Mechanism for Controlled Retraction Locking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional slide rail assemblies lack a mechanism to prevent accidental retraction of the inner slide rail into the outer slide rail, making it inconvenient for users to operate safely.

Innovation Solution

A two-way latch mechanism is introduced, comprising a first latch member pivotably attached to the second slide rail and a second latch member movably attached, with a protrusion from the first slide rail that can be locked between stop portions to confine the slide rails, allowing controlled extension and retraction by pressing an operating portion to release the lock.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a stop member with protrusion engages with the retaining member's inclined wall to prevent accidental extension, then the slide rail assembly prevents accidental release, but it cannot prevent the third slide rail retracting too far by careless force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental releaseVSAvoidcontrol of retraction distance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch member is designed to be movable between locked and unlocked positions, allowing dynamic control of the slide rail's retraction. The movable latch member can be shifted by user force to disengage from the protrusion, enabling controlled retraction while maintaining security during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The latch member acts as an intermediary between the stop member and the retaining member, providing an additional layer of control. It mediates the interaction between user force and the slide rail movement, allowing intentional retraction while preventing accidental movement in both directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a conventional stop member is used to prevent accidental extension, then release from the second slide rail is prevented, but inconvenient operation occurs due to inability to control retraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against accidental extensionVSAvoidlatch mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch member combines multiple functions into a single component: it prevents accidental extension by blocking the protrusion, allows controlled retraction when force is applied, and maintains the slide rail in position during normal use. This merging reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch member is designed to be self-actuating through user force. When the user applies force to retract the slide rail, the latch member automatically shifts from the locked to unlocked position, eliminating the need for separate actuators or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the protrusion is confined between stop portions to lock the slide rail, then secure locking is achieved, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidoperation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex multi-component locking mechanisms with a simpler mechanical system based on the latch member's movement. The locking and unlocking actions are achieved through the natural movement of the latch member rather than through complex mechanical systems with multiple moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 latch mechanism ensures controlled movement of slide rails, preventing accidental extension or retraction, enhancing user convenience and safety by providing a secure locking mechanism for slide rail assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

a first resilient portion, which is cantilevered from the first latch member and biases against the first blocking tab

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a second resilient portion, which is cantilevered from the second latch member and biases against the second blocking tab

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The driving portion is engaged with the driven portion of the second latch member. The operating portion is capable of being pressed to bias the first latch member, such that the driving portion drives the driven portion to bias the second latch member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS7744174B2Latch mechanism for slide rail assembly

Publication Date: 2010.06.29 FULIAN PRESION ELECTRONICS (TIANJIN) CO LTD

AI summary

A latch mechanism is provided for retaining a slide rail assembly, which includes first and second slide rails. The latch mechanism includes a first latch member pivotably attached to the second slide rail, and a second latch member movably attached to the second slide rail. The first latch member includes a driving portion, an operating portion, and a first stop portion. The second latch member includes a second stop portion and a driven portion. A protrusion extends from the first slide rail capable of being blocked between the first and second stop portion to confine the second slide rail relative to the first slide rail. The operating portion is capable of being pressed to bias the first latch member, such that the driving portion drives the driven portion to bias the second latch member to thereby release the protrusion of the first slide rail from the first and second stop portions.