Slide Rail Synchronization for Push-Open Drawer Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing furniture systems with slide rail assemblies lack a reliable mechanism for synchronous movement of slide rails, which affects the stability and efficiency of drawer opening and retraction processes.

Innovation Solution

A synchronization system comprising a first and second synchronization device connected to slide rail assemblies, utilizing a synchronization rod to enable synchronous movement of the rails, with an opening mechanism that includes an elastic member and a locking mechanism driven by a driving member to release elastic force for coordinated rail movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a push-open product with ejection devices is used to assist drawer opening, then the drawer can be opened from a retracted position, but the two slide rail assemblies cannot move synchronously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrawer opening assistanceVSAvoidsynchronous movement of slide rails
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ejection device function with a synchronization mechanism by integrating a synchronization rod that connects both slide rail assemblies. This merging allows the push-open function to work simultaneously with synchronous movement control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and stability of composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization rod acts as an intermediary element between the two slide rail assemblies. It transmits movement forces and ensures both rails move synchronously while maintaining the push-open assistance function, thus mediating between operational ease and movement stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If slide rail assemblies are used for drawer movement, then the drawer can be opened and retracted, but there is no mechanism to ensure synchronous movement of multiple rails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrawer opening and retractionVSAvoidsynchronous movement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the basic slide rail functionality with a synchronization control mechanism. The synchronization rod integrates with both rail assemblies to ensure they move together reliably, while preserving the original drawer opening and retraction versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization system is designed as a detachable module that can be independently added to slide rail assemblies. This segmentation allows the basic drawer movement function to remain unchanged while adding reliable synchronous movement capability through an optional synchronization component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If a synchronization mechanism is added to connect two slide rail assemblies, then synchronous movement is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronous movement of slide railsVSAvoidstructure of synchronization system
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization rod is designed with a simple, slender structure that minimizes spatial occupation and visual complexity. This thin-rod design provides effective synchronization while maintaining aesthetic simplicity and ease of integration into existing furniture designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization mechanism is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be independently added or removed. This extraction approach allows the basic slide rail function to remain simple while offering synchronous movement capability only when needed, thus managing device complexity flexibly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If the synchronization device is permanently installed on slide rail assemblies, then synchronous movement is ensured, but the adaptability and ease of installation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronous movement reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization device is segmented into detachable components with standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation enables easy assembly and disassembly without permanent installation, maintaining reliability during use while providing installation flexibility for different furniture configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization device is designed with universal mounting features that can accommodate different slide rail assembly types. This multi-functionality allows the same synchronization component to be reliably installed across various furniture products, enhancing both reliability and ease of manufacture through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 synchronization system enhances the stability and reliability of the push-open function by allowing the second rail of the first slide rail assembly and the second rail of the second slide rail assembly to move synchronously, improving the overall operation of the furniture system.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic member to release an elastic force for driving the second rail of the first slide rail assembly and the second rail of the second slide rail assembly to move along a second direction opposite to the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10172459B2Synchronization system for slide rail assembly and furniture system therewith
Publication Date: 2019.01.08 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • US10172459B2 patent drawing
  • US10172459B2 patent drawing
  • US10172459B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A synchronization system, which includes a synchronization device, is applicable to a slide rail and an opening mechanism. The opening mechanism includes an elastic member and a locking member configured to lock the elastic member. The synchronization device includes a housing and a driving member. The housing is mounted to the slide rail. The driving member is movable relative to the housing. The driving member is configured to drive the locking member to move for unlocking the elastic member, in order to allow the elastic member to release an elastic force to be applied to the slide rail.