Slide Rail Locking Assembly With Manual Unlock Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide rail assemblies often require a third rail to release the locking relationship between the second and first rails, which may not be suitable for all application environments or market requirements.
Innovation Solution
A slide rail assembly comprising a first rail, a second rail, a third rail, a locking mechanism, and an operating member, where the locking mechanism includes a pivoting locking member with elastic assistance and an operating member with an elongated hole for manual operation to switch between states, allowing the second rail to move relative to the first rail without relying on the third rail for unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the third rail is used to release the locking relationship between the second rail and the first rail, then the locking mechanism can be released, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unlocking function from the third rail and assigns it to a dedicated operating member. This allows the locking mechanism to be released by directly manipulating the operating member on the second rail, eliminating the need for the third rail to perform the unlocking function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable locking
Solution Approach 2:
The operating member acts as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. It provides a direct interface for releasing the lock without requiring the third rail to be involved, simplifying the overall system architecture while ensuring reliable locking through the dedicated locking member and operating member interaction
2Reliability
If the third rail is used to release the locking relationship, then the locking can be released, but the ease of operation deteriorates in confined spaces where the third rail cannot be retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking function is extracted from the third rail and assigned to a dedicated operating member on the second rail. This allows the locking mechanism to be released by directly manipulating the operating member, which can be accessed even when the third rail cannot be retracted, thereby improving ease of operation in confined spaces while maintaining reliable locking
Solution Approach 2:
The operating member is designed to be self-contained on the second rail, allowing the user to directly operate the locking mechanism without requiring the third rail to be retracted or manipulated. This self-service approach enables easy unlocking even in confined spaces where the third rail cannot be accessed
3Ease of operation
If a manual operating member with elongated hole is used to switch the locking mechanism, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member is segmented into functional zones: the elongated hole for finger insertion and manipulation, the body for structural integrity, and the connection features for mounting to the second rail and interacting with the locking member. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple and manageable
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
Enables the second rail to be moved relative to the first rail from an extended to a retracted position without using the third rail, facilitating easier detachment and maintenance, even in confined spaces, by manually operating the locking mechanism to switch states.
Implementation Method 1
a locking member (42) located at a position corresponding to the positioning portion (16), wherein the locking member (42) is engaged with the positioning portion (16) by applying elastic force from an elastic member (44)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A slide rail assembly (12) includes a first rail (18), a second rail (20), a third rail (22), a locking member (42) and an operating member (30). The second rail (20) is movable relative to the first rail (18) between a first position and a second position. The third rail (22) is movable relative to the second rail (20). The locking member (42) is mounted to the second rail (20). When the second rail (20) is located at the second position, the locking member (42) is configured to lock a portion of the first rail (18), such that the second rail (20) is not movable relative to the first rail (18) from the second position toward the first position. The operating member (30) is configured to be operated by a user to unlock the portion of the first rail (18) from the locking member (42).