Adjustable Slide Rail Bracket Assembly for Variable Rack Depths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slide rail assemblies for rack-based server systems lack sufficient adjustment range for mounting brackets, making them inflexible in accommodating varying post distances.

Innovation Solution

A slide rail assembly with a bracket device comprising a first, second, and third supporting bracket, along with a mounting bracket, allowing for adjustable connections through slots and blocking portions, enabling the assembly to be adapted to different rack depths by adjusting the relative positions of the supporting brackets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed brackets are used to mount the slide rail assembly to rack posts, then the mounting structure is simple and stable, but the assembly cannot adapt to varying post distances between racks of different depths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying post distancesVSAvoidbracket structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket device is divided into multiple supporting brackets (first, second, and third supporting brackets) that can move relative to each other along the rail. This segmentation allows each bracket to be independently positioned, enabling the overall assembly to adapt to different post distances while maintaining structural stability through modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting brackets are designed with movable connections that allow dynamic adjustment of their positions along the rail. The brackets can slide and lock at different locations, transforming a static fixed-mounting structure into a dynamic adjustable system that accommodates varying rack depths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable brackets are implemented to accommodate different post distances, then adaptability improves, but the adjustment range is limited by the slot length

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment range of mounting bracketVSAvoidadjustment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism extends beyond a single slot dimension by incorporating multiple supporting brackets that can adjust their positions independently along the rail. This multi-dimensional adjustment capability significantly expands the overall adjustment range while maintaining ease of operation through standardized slot-based positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple supporting brackets with movable connections are used, then the adjustment range increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment rangeVSAvoidnumber of supporting brackets
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple supporting brackets are designed with homogeneous structures and standardized connection mechanisms. Each bracket uses similar slot-based adjustment features and blocking portion designs, which simplifies manufacturing and assembly despite the increased number of components. The uniformity across brackets reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Data Source

PatentEP3050462B1Slide rail assembly and bracket device thereof
Publication Date: 2018.03.14 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP3050462B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3050462B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3050462B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A slide rail assembly (20) includes a rail (22) mounted with a bracket device (24) whereby the slide rail assembly (20) can be mounted to a rack. The bracket device (24) includes a first supporting bracket (32), a second supporting bracket (34), a third supporting bracket (36), a mounting bracket (38), and a connecting member (64). The first supporting bracket (32) is connected to the rail (22). The second supporting bracket (34) is movably connected to the first supporting bracket (32). The second supporting bracket (34), the third supporting bracket (36), and the mounting bracket (38) are movably connected and support one another. The mounting bracket (38) includes first and second blocking portions (60a, 60b) and a slot (62) formed between the first and the second blocking portions (60a, 60b). The connecting member (64) passes through the slot (62) and is connected to the third supporting bracket (36).