Adjustable Sliding Rail Coupling for Stepless Box Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding rail assemblies require users to unfasten and re-fasten fastening members to adjust the position of a sliding box, making the process complicated and not allowing for stepless horizontal and vertical adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable coupling device with a base member, sliding block, first and second adjustment members, and a push member that enables stepless horizontal and vertical adjustments by using a scroll groove, guide rib, and thrust groove mechanisms to move the sliding block and push member along the sliding rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fastening members are used to affix sliding box to sliding rail assembly, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the adjustment process becomes complicated requiring unfastening and re-fastening operations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device transforms the static fastening connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. The sliding block can move along the sliding rail within the coupling device, allowing the sliding box position to be adjusted continuously without unfastening any components. The thread mechanism enables dynamic repositioning while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the sliding box and sliding rail assembly. It includes a sliding block that moves along the rail, a thread mechanism for adjustment, and a limiting member to control movement range. This intermediary structure eliminates the need to directly unfasten and re-fasten the sliding box to the rail.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mounting holes are provided for horizontal and vertical positioning, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the adjustment procedure becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device segments the positioning function into two independent adjustments: horizontal positioning through the sliding block moving along the sliding rail, and vertical positioning through the coupling device's position on the rail assembly. This segmentation allows continuous adjustment in both directions without requiring multiple discrete mounting hole selections.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces static mounting hole selection with dynamic continuous adjustment. The sliding block can be positioned at any location along the sliding rail through rotation of the adjustment member, providing infinite horizontal positioning options rather than discrete hole locations.
3Manufacturing precision
If stepless adjustment is implemented, then positioning precision and flexibility are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment member incorporates a scroll groove with a curved spiral path. Rotation of the adjustment member converts rotational motion into linear motion of the sliding block through this curved groove, enabling smooth stepless adjustment. The limiting member's guide rib follows this curved path to control the sliding block's movement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system with a thread-based adjustment mechanism. Instead of using multiple discrete mounting holes with fasteners, a single rotation action on the adjustment member provides continuous positional control through the scroll groove and sliding block mechanism.
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
Facilitates easy and precise stepless adjustment of the sliding box's position relative to the sliding rail assembly, simplifying the adjustment process and allowing for flexible positioning without the need to reattach fastening members.
Implementation Method 1
a scroll groove located at a bottom side thereof, and a limiter member affixed to the base portion of the base member and comprising a guide rib coupled to the scroll groove of the first adjustment member for guiding the first adjustment member toward or away from the limiter member to carry the sliding block forward or backward along the sliding rail during rotation of the first adjustment member relative to the coupling shank
Implementation Method 2
a second adjustment member pivotally coupled to the post of the base member and comprising a thrust groove spirally extending around the periphery thereof and coupled with the push plates of the push member
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable coupling device includes a base member fastened to a sliding rail assembly, a sliding block connected to the base member to support a sliding box, a first adjustment member rotatable to adjust the position of the sliding box horizontally subject to the constraint of a limiter member, and a second adjustment member rotatable to adjust the position of the sliding box vertically subject to the constraint of a push member.