Vehicle Slide Rail Locking Mechanism Collision Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In slide rail devices for vehicles, the locking portion can potentially collide with the lower end surface of the upper rail when returning to the locked position, preventing it from securely re-engaging with the forward/rearward-movement restricting grooves.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a lower rail with upwardly opening lock grooves, an upper rail with downwardly extending forward/rearward-movement restricting grooves, and restricting lugs on the upper rail to prevent the locking portion from moving out of the grooves, along with a biaser to rotate the lock-release lever to the locked position, reducing the number of components and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking portion is allowed to move forwardly/rearwardly with respect to the upper rail, then the locking mechanism can operate more freely, but the locking portion may collide with the lower end surface of the upper rail and fail to return to the locked position
Solution Approach 1:
The upper rail is segmented into multiple functional zones: forward/rearward-movement restricting grooves that guide the locking portion's vertical movement, and restricting lugs that define the forward/rearward movement boundaries. This segmentation allows the locking portion to move freely within defined limits while preventing collision with the lower end surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The restricting lugs act as intermediary elements between the locking portion and the forward/rearward-movement restricting grooves. These lugs prevent the locking portion from moving beyond the safe range, serving as a mechanical intermediary that protects the system while allowing necessary movement freedom.
2Reliability
If restricting lugs are added to prevent forward/rearward movement of the locking portion, then collision risk is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The restricting lugs are integrated directly into the upper rail structure, merging the protective function with the existing rail geometry. This combining approach adds the necessary reliability function without requiring separate protective components, thus minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The restricting lugs serve multiple functions: they prevent forward/rearward movement of the locking portion, define the operational range within the grooves, and protect against collision with the lower end surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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
This configuration ensures the locking portion can securely return to the locked position within the grooves, maintaining a stable sliding mechanism and reducing the risk of collision, thus enhancing the reliability of the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a biaser (spring) which biases and rotates the locking lever toward the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A slide rail device includes forward/rearward-movement restricting grooves formed on an upper rail; lock portions which are movable in the forward and/or rearward direction relative to the upper rail, wherein the lock portions are lock-engaged with the lock grooves and the forward/rearward-movement restricting grooves when the lock release lever is positioned at the locked position, and the lock portions are released from the lock grooves when the lock release lever is positioned at the unlocked position; and restricting lugs formed on an upper rail, wherein the restricting lugs restrict the lock portions from moving forward or rearward from the forward/rearward-movement restricting grooves, to which the lock portions correspond, by the lock portions coming in contact with the restricting lugs when the lock release lever is positioned at the unlocked position.