Slide Rail Retaining Member for Vibration-Resistant Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slide assembly installation devices face issues with the post-locking latch being damaged due to impact or vibration when the chassis is moved relative to the slide assembly, as it may not be strong enough to withstand such forces.
Innovation Solution
The proposed installation device includes a retaining member with a base, release portion, bent portion, arm, and resilient portion that allows for easy engagement and disengagement with the installation member, featuring a first and second installation hole and contact portions on the second rail, enabling secure connection and release through a resilient force and structural reinforcement.
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 connection is secure, but the latch is easily damaged by impact or vibration during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The installation device is divided into separate functional components: the resilient portion provides flexible retention, the arm provides positioning, and the release portion enables controlled disengagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the resilient portion absorbing impacts rather than transmitting them to a fragile latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion is designed to change its physical state under impact or vibration, flexing to absorb mechanical energy and then returning to its original position. This parameter change (elastic deformation) allows the connection to withstand dynamic loads without permanent damage, replacing the need for a high-strength rigid latch.
2Reliability
If a strong post-locking latch is used to withstand impact and vibration, then the connection reliability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient portion automatically responds to impact or vibration forces by flexing and recovering without requiring any active control or additional components. The arm automatically positions itself against the second contact portion, and the release portion can be actuated simply by applying force in a predetermined direction. This self-service mechanism eliminates complex control systems while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion acts as an intermediary between the mounting rail and the exterior equipment, absorbing and dampening mechanical shocks before they can damage the connection. This intermediary component protects the overall assembly from harmful vibrations and impacts without requiring a complex latch mechanism.
3Strength
If a conventional post-locking latch is used, then the chassis is securely connected, but the latch requires significant force to disengage, making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static rigid latch to a dynamic resilient system that can adapt its retention force. During normal operation, the resilient portion maintains strong engagement. During release, applying force to the release portion dynamically changes the system state, causing the arm to disengage from the second contact portion and allowing easy removal of the exterior equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion is pre-configured with a release mechanism that requires minimal force to activate. The geometry of the arm and release portion is designed so that applying force in a predetermined direction automatically initiates the disengagement sequence, eliminating the need for significant force or complex operations to release the connection.
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 solution provides a secure and stable connection that can withstand vibrations and impacts, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement of the retaining member with the installation member, enhancing the durability and reliability of the slide assembly installation.
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
AI summary
An installation device includes a retaining member fixed to a rail of the slide assembly and including a base, a release portion, an arm and a resilient portion. The base contacts the first contact portion of the rail. The release portion extends from the base. The arm has a retaining hole and a positioning portion. The retaining hole is located corresponding to an installation hole of the rail, and the positioning portion contacts the second contact portion of the rail. The resilient portion is connected to the rail so as to provide a resilient force to keep the retaining hole of the arm facing the installation hole of the rail. When a force is applied to the release portion, the arm is moved and the positioning portion is disengaged from the second contact portion, so that the installation member is released from the installation hole of the rail.