Slide Rail Locking Assembly with Sequential Unlocking and Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide rail assemblies face issues with simultaneous unlocking and interlocking operations due to assembly tolerances, leading to potential misalignment and unreliable performance.
Innovation Solution
A slide rail assembly design that separates unlocking and interlocking operations, featuring a first engaging member, a releasing member, and an elastic member to ensure precise control over rail displacement, with a second engaging member and releasing member for coordinated movement, and a driven member to lock other rails in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If unlocking and interlocking operations are performed simultaneously in existing slide rail assemblies, then the structure can be simplified, but assembly tolerances cause misalignment and unreliable performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locking mechanism into separate unlocking and interlocking operations. The unlocking operation is performed first by the releasing member disengaging the locking member from the stop, followed by the interlocking operation where the driven member locks other rails. This segmentation eliminates the misalignment issues caused by simultaneous operations while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Reliability
If assembly tolerances are reduced to achieve precise alignment, then operational reliability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary unlocking action before interlocking. The releasing member first disengages the locking member from the stop, ensuring the rail is fully unlocked before the driven member performs the interlocking operation on other rails. This sequential preliminary action eliminates the need for tight assembly tolerances by preventing simultaneous operation conflicts.
3Reliability
If the locking member is kept engaged with the stop during interlocking operation, then the rail remains secured, but the rail cannot be displaced from retracted to extended position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action where the locking member alternates between engaged and disengaged states. During the unlocking phase, the releasing member disengages the locking member from the stop to allow rail displacement. During the locked phase, the locking member re-engages with the stop to secure the rail. This periodic engagement and disengagement enables both rail security and operational displacement.
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 design ensures safer and more reliable operation by allowing independent unlocking and interlocking, preventing misalignment and enhancing operational precision.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member to apply an elastic force to the first engaging member so that the first engaging member is kept corresponding to the stop
Data Source
AI summary
A slide rail assembly includes first and second rails, a stop, a first engaging member, and a first releasing member. The second rail can be displaced between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the first rail. The stop is located at the first rail. The first engaging member, movably connected to the second rail, is at an engaged position with respect to the stop when the second rail is at the retracted position with respect to the first rail. The first releasing member is configured to operatively drive the first engaging member away from the engaged position so that the second rail can be displaced from the retracted position toward the extended position with respect to the first rail.