Slide rail assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slide rail assemblies face challenges in achieving synchronous movement of multiple rails while ensuring stability and smooth operation, particularly in maintaining the synchronization and preventing relative movement between rails.

Innovation Solution

A slide rail assembly comprising a first rail, a second rail, and a third rail, with a synchronization member and a fastening member pivoted to the third rail, allowing synchronous movement with the second rail initially, then independent movement, and featuring a damping device for stability and a blocking structure to prevent retraction, along with a releasing mechanism to unblock the working member for extension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the third rail is movably mounted between the first rail and the second rail to enable independent movement, then the flexibility and range of motion are improved, but the synchronization and stability between rails deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent movement capabilityVSAvoidsynchronization between rails
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization member acts as an intermediary between the second rail and the third rail, transferring movement forces to maintain synchronous motion. When the second rail moves, the synchronization member transmits this movement to the third rail through engagement with the contact member, ensuring both rails move together while still allowing the third rail to be independently positioned when disengaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the fastening member is used to prevent retraction of the third rail, then the stability and position control are improved, but the ease of operation and extension are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition controlVSAvoidextension operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening member is designed to automatically engage with the contact member when the third rail reaches its extended position, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The elastic force automatically drives the fastening member into the engaged state, providing self-service positioning and stabilization without additional operational steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking feature is positioned to prevent retraction of the third rail before the fastening member is disengaged, creating a preliminary barrier that stops unintended movement. This preliminary anti-action ensures the rail remains stable in its extended position without requiring continuous active control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the working member is blocked by the blocking feature to prevent retraction, then the stability and position maintenance are improved, but the productivity and speed of operation are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition maintenanceVSAvoidoperation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking feature is designed to be dynamically overcome by the elastic force during intentional extension operations. While the blocking feature maintains stability during normal operation, the elastic force can dynamically overcome this block when extension is required, allowing the system to switch between stable maintenance and rapid extension modes as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 synchronized and stable movement of the second and third rails relative to the first rail, with a damping effect for smooth operation and prevents unintended retraction, enhancing the practicality and service life of the assembly.

Implementation Method 1

The base has an elastic part for providing an elastic force to the working member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3387950B1Slide rail assembly
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP3387950B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3387950B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3387950B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A slide rail assembly (20) includes a first rail (22), a second rail (24), a third rail (26), a synchronization member (72) and a fastening member (74). The third rail (26) is movably mounted between the first and second rails (22, 24). The synchronization member (72) is configured to engage with the second rail (24), such that the second and third rails (24, 26) can be synchronously moved relative to the first rail (22) along an opening direction. When the second and third rails (24, 26) are moved to a first predetermined position, the synchronization member (72) is disengaged from the second rail (24). When the third rail (26) is moved to a second predetermined position along the opening direction, the third rail (26) is fastened to the first rail (22) by the fastening member (74) to prevent the third rail (26) from being moved along a retracted direction.