Synchronized Slide Rail Assembly for Stable Drawer Lock Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slide rail assemblies for furniture lack a guiding member to enhance the stability of the engaging status between the swing member and the locking part, which affects the operational efficiency and stability of drawer systems.

Innovation Solution

A slide rail assembly comprising a first rail, a second rail, a third rail, sliding auxiliary devices, a synchronizing member, a driving device, and a locking device, where the synchronizing member is meshed between the sliding auxiliary devices to facilitate movement and stability, and the driving device accumulates and releases elastic force to move the second rail between retrieve and open positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a swing member is engaged between a locking part and a guiding member, then the stability of the engaging status is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of engaging statusVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding member acts as an intermediary element between the swing member and the locking part. It provides a guided path for the swing member's movement, ensuring stable engagement while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The guiding member mediates the interaction between the swing member and locking part, preventing direct complex engagement while achieving stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a guiding member is added to guide the swing member, then the operational stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding member is designed as a separate, modular component that can be manufactured independently and then assembled into the locking device. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing processes optimized for the guiding member's specific geometry, improving operational stability while keeping the manufacturing complexity manageable through modular production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the swing member is constrained between the locking part and guiding member, then the engagement stability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement stabilityVSAvoidoperational convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding member is designed to provide dynamic guidance rather than rigid constraint. It allows the swing member to move smoothly along a predetermined path while maintaining stable engagement. The guiding member adapts to the swing member's motion, providing stability without excessive resistance, thus maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances the stability and operational efficiency of the slide rail assembly by ensuring secure engagement and smooth movement of the second rail relative to the first rail, improving the overall functionality of the drawer system.

Implementation Method 1

the first elastic member of the first driving device accumulates a first driving force; and when the swing member is operatively disengaged from the locking part and the guiding member, the first driving force is released to drive the second rail to move from a retrieve position to an open position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The least one first rolling member is configured to facilitate the third rail to move relative to the first rail. The least one second rolling member is configured to facilitate the second rail to move relative to the third rail.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP3167754B1Slide rail assembly
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP3167754B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3167754B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3167754B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A slide rail assembly (56) includes a first rail (58) ; a second rail (60); a third rail (62) mounted between the first and second rails (58, 60); a first sliding auxiliary device (600) movably arranged between the first and third rails (58, 62), the first sliding auxiliary device (600) comprising a first rolling member (604) and a first meshing feature (608), the first rolling member (604) configured to facilitate the third rail (62) to move relative to the first rail (58) ; a second sliding auxiliary device (602) movably arranged between the third and second rails (62, 60), the second sliding auxiliary device (602) comprising a second rolling member (606) and a second meshing feature (610), the second rolling member (606) configured to facilitate the second rail (60) to move relative to the third rail (62); and a synchronizing member (612) meshed between the first and second meshing features (608, 610).