Slide Assembly Support Unit With Adjustable Locking Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing installation support units for slide assemblies are non-adjustable, leading to instability and potential damage during transportation due to misalignment of press-nuts and bolts, especially when the press-nut is offset, causing the apparatus to vibrate or impact.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable installation support unit with a locking member having a protrusion and head portion, where the protrusion's diameter is smaller than the elongate hole, allowing transverse adjustment to securely connect the bolt to the rack system, accommodating different locking mechanisms and tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed press-nut is used on the end board, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the connection stability deteriorates when the press-nut is offset from the bolt
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed with a movable head portion that can adjust its position within the elongate hole. The head portion moves along the longitudinal direction of the elongate hole to align with the bolt, transforming the fixed structure into an adjustable one. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures reliable connection even when there are position deviations or tolerances in the rack system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameter of the locking member's head portion relative to the end board. By allowing the head portion to move along the elongate hole, the position parameter can be adjusted to match the bolt's location. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptation to different positions while maintaining connection stability.
2Device complexity
If a non-adjustable press-nut is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different rack system arrangements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member incorporates a movable head portion that can adjust its position within the elongate hole, providing adaptability to different rack system arrangements and tolerances. The side walls with guiding grooves guide the movement while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is segmented into distinct functional parts: the head portion for adjustment, the protrusion for bolt engagement, and the threaded hole for securing. This segmentation allows the head portion to independently move and adjust while the rest of the structure remains simple and easy to manufacture.
3Loss of time
If the press-nut cannot be adjusted, then the installation process is quick and simple, but the apparatus may be damaged during transportation due to vibration or impact
Solution Approach 1:
The movable head portion allows for quick adjustment during installation to ensure proper alignment with the bolt, then locks into place to provide stable connection during transportation. This dynamic capability prevents damage from vibration or impact while maintaining efficient installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate hole is pre-designed to accommodate the movement of the head portion, and the guiding grooves are pre-formed to guide the adjustment process. This preliminary preparation enables quick adjustment without adding complex adjustment mechanisms, thus maintaining fast installation while preventing damage.
4Device complexity
If a fixed locking mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to accommodate tolerances and arrangement variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The head portion moves along the elongate hole to accommodate position deviations and tolerances in the rack system. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the simple locking structure to adapt to manufacturing variations without requiring high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate hole serves multiple functions: it guides the movement of the head portion, accommodates position deviations, and allows adjustment to different positions. This multi-functionality enables the simple locking structure to handle various tolerance conditions and arrangement variations.
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 adjustable locking member ensures stable and secure connection of the apparatus to the rack system during transportation, preventing damage from vibrations or impacts by allowing precise alignment and adjustment according to the rack system's arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
The protrusion extends through the elongate hole of the face board. The height of the head portion is longer than the longitudinal distance of the elongate hole of the face board. The head portion is movably clamped between the support member and the end board.
Implementation Method 2
A threaded hole is defined through the head portion and the protrusion.
Data Source
AI summary
An installation support unit includes a base board, a support member, two installation members and a locking member. An end board extends from the base board and has a bent portion. The support member has a face board and an elongate hole. Each of the installation members is connected to the support member which is fixed to the end board. The locking member is movably connected to the support member and the end board, and includes a head portion, a protrusion and a threaded hole defined through the head portion and the protrusion. The diameter of the protrusion is smaller than the transverse width of the elongate hole. The protrusion extends through the elongate hole, and the height of the head portion is longer than the longitudinal distance of the elongate hole. The head portion is movably clamped between the support member and the end board.