Slide Rail Latch Assembly for Controlled Retraction Sequence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slide rail assemblies lack a mechanism to ensure a specific sequence of operation for strength and smoothness, and fail to incorporate a latch mechanism for collapsing slide rails in a desired order, particularly when external mechanisms like cabinet interlocks are activated.
Innovation Solution
A slide rail assembly featuring an outer slide rail with a protrusion, an intermediate slide rail with a slot and a release portion, an inner slide rail with a release portion, a latch member, and a resilient member that engages and disengages to control the sequence of slide rail extension and retraction, utilizing a latch mechanism to manage the sequence of operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional slide rail assembly is used without a latch mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the sequence of operation cannot be controlled and strength is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A latch member is introduced as an intermediary component between the slide rails to control the sequence of operation. The latch member includes a first engaging portion that interacts with the intermediate slide rail and a second engaging portion that interacts with the outer slide rail, mediating the collapse sequence to ensure proper strength and operation order.
2Ease of operation
If slide rails are allowed to collapse freely without control, then the operation is smooth and simple, but the sequence cannot be controlled for external mechanisms like cabinet interlocks
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is designed to dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. During extension, the latch remains engaged to maintain control. During retraction, the release portion of the inner slide rail interacts with the latch member to automatically unlock it, allowing smooth collapse while maintaining sequence control for external mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a latch mechanism is added to control the collapse sequence, then the sequence control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is nested within the intermediate slide rail structure, with the slot for the latch member integrated into the intermediate slide rail. The resilient member is also integrated into the assembly, creating a compact nested structure that provides sequence control without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member is designed to be automatically actuated by the movement of the slide rails themselves. The release portion of the inner slide rail serves as the actuating mechanism, causing the latch to release at the appropriate time during retraction without requiring external control systems.
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 ensures a controlled sequence of operations for the slide rails, enhancing strength and smoothness by using a latch mechanism to manage the extension and retraction of the slide rails, ensuring proper alignment and operation in line with desired sequences.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member connected to the latch member for returning the latch member to an original position
Data Source
AI summary
A slide rail assembly includes an outer slide rail having a protrusion, an intermediate slide rail having a slot, an inner slide rail having a release portion, a latch member slidably attached to a slot of the intermediate slide rail, and a resilient member connected to the latch member for returning the latch member to an original position. The latch member includes first and second engaging portions located at opposite sides of the intermediate slide rail respectively. The protrusion is capable of engaging with the second engaging portion of the latch member to stop the intermediate slide rail sliding into the outer slide rail together with the inner slide rail. The release portion of the inner slide rail is capable of engaging with the first engaging portion to bias the latch member to slide along the slot to release the intermediate slide rail from the outer engaging portion.