Synchronization system for slide rail assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current furniture systems lack a reliable mechanism for synchronously moving two slide rail assemblies, which affects the stability and efficiency of drawer opening and retraction processes.

Innovation Solution

A synchronization system comprising a first and second slide rail assembly with a synchronization device, including a housing, driving member, actuating member, and synchronization rod, allowing the second rail of the first slide rail assembly to unlock and release elastic force to move synchronously with the second rail of the second slide rail assembly, enhancing stability and reliability of the push-open function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a push-open device is used to assist drawer opening, then the drawer can be opened from a retracted position, but the two slide rail assemblies cannot move synchronously affecting stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrawer opening assistanceVSAvoidslide rail synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two independent slide rail assemblies with a common synchronization rod that connects both rails. The synchronization rod integrates the movement of both rails, ensuring they move synchronously while maintaining the push-open assistance function. This merging of previously independent components resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization rod acts as an intermediary component between the two slide rail assemblies. It mediates their movement by providing a mechanical connection that ensures synchronized motion. This intermediary element allows both rails to move together smoothly, maintaining stability while preserving the push-open assistance capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If spring-loaded ejectors with latching elements are used, then the drawer can be temporarily locked and ejected, but the mechanism is complex and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidejection device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential locking function from the complex spring-loaded ejection mechanism and implements it through a simpler elastic member with a latching element. By removing unnecessary components and retaining only the core locking functionality, the device achieves reliable locking while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the locking mechanism by using a simpler elastic member instead of a complex spring-loaded system. This parameter change maintains the temporary locking reliability while reducing the overall complexity of the ejection device, making it easier to manufacture and assemble.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If guide carriages are connected through a synchronization rod, then synchronous movement is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronous movementVSAvoidsynchronization mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the synchronization mechanism into distinct functional components: the synchronization rod, the connecting arms, and the mounting points on each rail. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining the synchronous movement capability. Each segment can be manufactured and assembled independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 synchronization system improves the reliability and stability of the push-open function by enabling synchronous movement of the slide rail assemblies, ensuring efficient and synchronized operation of the drawer opening and retraction process.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic member to release an elastic force for driving the second rail (32) of the first slide rail assembly to move relative to the first rail (30) along a second direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3378353B1Synchronization system for slide rail assembly
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 KING SLIDE TECH
  • EP3378353B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3378353B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3378353B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A synchronization system (35), which includes a synchronization device (36), is applicable to a slide rail (32) and an opening mechanism (74). The opening mechanism (74) includes an elastic member (84) and a locking member (76) configured to lock the elastic member (84). The synchronization device (36) includes a housing (42) and a driving member (44). The housing (42) is mounted to the slide rail (32). The driving member (44) is movable relative to the housing (42). The driving member (44) is configured to drive the locking member (76) to move for unlocking the elastic member (84), in order to allow the elastic member (84) to release an elastic force to be applied to the slide rail (32).