Slide rail assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide rail assemblies with locking mechanisms often require the latch assembly and latch seat to be positioned at the front end, limiting flexibility in market applications where different configurations are needed.
Innovation Solution
A slide rail assembly with a locking device that includes a working member capable of switching between blocking and unblocking states, allowing the second rail to be locked in a retracted position and unlocked for movement, featuring an operating member, elastic feature, and disengaging structure to manage the locking mechanism's state, enabling the locking device to be positioned adjacent to the rear parts of the rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latch assembly and latch seat are positioned at the front end of the track device, then the locking mechanism is easily accessible for operation, but the configuration flexibility for different market requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the locking device at the rear end of the slide rail assembly instead of the front end. The working member is located at the rear part of the first rail, and the contact structure is at the rear part of the second rail, allowing the locking mechanism to function from the rear rather than the front, thus achieving configuration flexibility for different market requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the locking device is positioned at the rear part of the rails, then the configuration flexibility for different market requirements is enhanced, but the accessibility for operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an operating member as an intermediary between the user and the working member. The operating member is positioned at the front end of the first rail where it is easily accessible, and it transmits the unlocking force to the working member at the rear end through the elastic feature, allowing easy operation while maintaining rear-positioned locking functionality
3Reliability
If the working member is positioned at the front end to block the contact structure, then the locking function is effective, but the design requires a special cross-section of the track member which increases design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the locking interaction from the front-end longitudinal dimension to the rear-end dimension of the slide rail assembly. By positioning both the working member and contact structure at the rear part, the locking function is achieved in a different spatial dimension, eliminating the need for special front-end cross-section designs while maintaining effective locking
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 enhances the flexibility of slide rail assemblies by allowing the locking mechanism to be positioned non-traditionally, ensuring secure locking and easy operation while preventing accidental unlocking from the front, thus meeting diverse market requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the locking device further comprises an elastic feature configured to provide an elastic force to the working member
Data Source
AI summary
A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a contact structure and a locking device. The second rail is movable relative to the first rail. The contact structure is arranged on the second rail. The locking device is arranged on the first rail and includes a working member configured to be in a blocking state or an unblocking state relative to the first rail. When the second rail is located at a retracted position and when the working member is in the blocking state, the working member is configured to block the contact structure, in order to prevent the second rail from being moved relative to the first rail from the retracted position along an opening direction.