Slide rail assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide rail assemblies require simultaneous operation of two actuating members for unlocking, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A slide rail assembly design where a blocking feature and a locking member interact to prevent movement, allowing single-operation unlocking via a driving member activated by one of two operating members, with an elastic member returning the locking member to a locked state after unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch assembly with two actuating members is used to lock the slide rail, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because simultaneous operation of two members is required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two functional parts: the blocking feature (with blocking surfaces) and the locking member (with blocking portions). This segmentation allows the locking function to be achieved through the interaction of these separate elements, where the blocking feature provides the locking engagement while the locking member controls the unlocking action through a single operating member.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking feature acts as an intermediary element between the first rail and the locking member. The blocking surfaces on the blocking feature interact with the blocking portions on the locking member to transmit the unlocking force from the single operating member to the locking member, enabling the locking member to move between locked and unlocked states without requiring simultaneous operation of two members.
2Strength
If multiple slide rail assemblies are mounted together, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because each assembly requires separate simultaneous operation of two members
Solution Approach 1:
Each slide rail assembly is segmented into independent functional modules (blocking feature, locking member, operating member), allowing multiple assemblies to be mounted together while maintaining individual operation simplicity. The segmented design enables each assembly to function independently with a single operating member, avoiding the complexity of coordinating multiple actuating members across multiple assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameter is changed from requiring simultaneous dual-member operation to single-member operation. This parameter change in the unlocking mechanism allows users to easily operate multiple slide rail assemblies in sequence by simply operating one member per assembly, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining structural strength through proper mounting configurations.
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
Enables single-member operation for unlocking, enhancing user convenience and efficiency, particularly when multiple assemblies are mounted, and allows for easy handling of carried objects.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member returning the locking member to a locked state after unlocking
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A slide rail assembly (20) includes a first rail (22), a second rail (24) a blocking feature (28) arranged on the first rail (22), two operating members (31, 32) and a locking member (30) . The two operating members (31, 32) and the locking member (30) are movably mounted on the second rail (24). When the second rail (24) is located at a predetermined position and when the locking member (30) is in a locking state, the locking member (30) and the blocking feature (28) are configured to block each other to prevent the second rail (24) from being moved away from the predetermined position. When one of the two operating members (31, 32) is operated, the locking member (30) is configured to be driven to move from the locking state to an unlocking state to allow the second rail (24) to be moved away from the predetermined position.