Slide Rail Retaining Member for Impact-Resistant Chassis Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slide assembly installation devices are prone to damage due to impact and vibration when the chassis is moved relative to the slide assembly, as the post-locking latch may not be strong enough to withstand these forces.
Innovation Solution
The proposed installation device features a retaining member with a resilient portion that provides a stable engagement with the second rail, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement of installation members, and is fixed using riveting for cost-effectiveness and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a post-locking latch is used to secure the chassis to the mounting slide elements, then the chassis can be securely connected, but the latch is easily damaged by impact and vibration during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The installation device is divided into separate functional components: rails for structural support, a retaining member for securing, and a release mechanism for easy disengagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the rails providing structural strength and the retaining member providing secure engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion of the retaining member is designed to absorb and cushion impact forces before they can damage the locking mechanism. This beforehand cushioning protects the overall structure from vibration and shock during operation, preventing the damage that plagued the post-locking latch design.
2Reliability
If a resilient portion is added to the retaining member to prevent damage from impact and vibration, then the structural integrity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient portion is merged with the retaining member as an integrated component rather than a separate element. This combining approach provides the needed vibration resistance while avoiding the complexity of additional separate parts, assembly steps, or adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion automatically absorbs impact forces and maintains engagement without requiring external intervention, adjustment, or additional control mechanisms. The retaining member serves itself by using the resilient portion to passively cushion shocks and maintain secure connection during operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the retaining member uses riveting for fixation, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the ease of repair and replacement may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The release portion is designed to allow the retaining member to be easily extracted from the rail by applying force to release the engagement. This extraction capability enables simple removal and replacement of the retaining member without requiring complex disassembly tools or procedures, maintaining ease of repair despite using riveting for initial assembly.
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 solution ensures secure and stable connection of the installation members to the slide assembly, preventing damage from impact and vibration, while allowing for easy release and reconnection without compromising structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient portion extends from the arm and toward the release portion. The resilient portion connected to the second rail and provides a resilient force to keep the retaining hole of the arm facing the first installation hole of the second rail.
Data Source
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AI summary
An installation device includes a retaining member (22) fixed to a rail of the slide assembly and including a base (24), a release portion (26), an arm (30) and a resilient portion (36). The base (24) contacts a first contact portion (16) of the rail. The release portion (26) extends from the base (24). The arm (30) has a retaining hole (32) and a positioning portion (34). The retaining hole (32) is located corresponding to an installation hole of the rail, and the positioning portion (34) contacts a second contact portion (18) of the rail. The resilient portion (36) is connected to the rail so as to provide a resilient force to keep the retaining hole (32) of the arm (30) facing the installation hole of the rail. When a force is applied to the release portion (26), the arm (30) is moved and the positioning portion (34) is disengaged from the second contact portion (18), so that an installation member is released from the installation hole of the rail.