Sliding Rail Locking Assembly for Stable Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding rail structures for electronic devices lack a locking and positioning function, leading to instability in electrical connections, especially in vibrating environments, as the connection between the connector and connecting plug can loosen, causing the electrical connection to be broken.
Innovation Solution
The auxiliary sliding connection assembly features a pair of fixing rails with automatic locking mechanisms and manual unlocking mechanisms, including a fastening pin, latching tenon, elastic member, and manual pulling handle, which allows for automatic locking and secure sliding of the removable unit onto the main frame, ensuring stability and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional sliding rail structure is used to allow electronic devices to be inserted or removed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the electrical connection deteriorates due to loosening in vibrating environments
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic locking mechanism performs the locking action automatically during the sliding insertion process, before the device is fully installed. The locking pin engages with the locking groove automatically when the sliding rail reaches its terminal position, ensuring the connection is secured preliminarily before any vibration or movement occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic locking system. The locking pin can move between locked and unlocked positions, and the spring provides dynamic force to maintain the locked state. This dynamic mechanism ensures reliable connection while allowing easy manual unlocking when needed.
2Reliability
If an automatic locking mechanism is added to the sliding rail structure, then the reliability of the electrical connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking pin for engagement, a spring for providing locking force, a locking groove for positioning, and a manual unlocking structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, while the overall system achieves reliable automatic locking without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating during the sliding insertion process. The movement of the sliding rail itself triggers the locking pin to engage with the locking groove automatically, without requiring external actuators, motors, or complex control systems. The spring automatically provides the necessary locking force.
3Ease of operation
If a manual unlocking mechanism is incorporated, then the ease of operation for removal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual unlocking function is merged with the existing locking pin structure. The same locking pin that automatically engages during insertion also serves as the element to be manually disengaged for removal. The manual unlocking structure is integrated into the locking mechanism itself, combining the automatic locking and manual unlocking functions into a unified system without requiring separate mechanisms.
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 solution provides a stable electrical connection by automatically locking the removable unit onto the main frame during sliding, preventing separation in vibrating environments and allowing easy manual unlocking for removal, enhancing the reliability and practicality of the connection.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member having a fastening end inserted in the positioning tower and an engaging end inserted in the fastening pin; the latching tenon of each of the automatic locking mechanisms is able to constantly and radially protrude in one of the rail slots via an energy releasing effect provided by the elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary sliding connection assembly, which includes a pair of fixing rails, at least one automatic locking mechanism and a manual unlocking mechanism arranged adjacent to each automatic locking mechanism; the pair of fixing rails have the automatic locking mechanism enabling a locking hole to be automatically locked and arranged corresponding to the locking hole preformed on a second board member, so that a removable unit having the second board member can generate an automatic locking function applied a main frame having a first board member during sliding on the pair of fixing rails, thus a connector of the first board member and a connecting plug of the second board member can be prevented from separating; the manual unlocking mechanism is capable of forming a locked status to each automatic locking mechanism, so that the removable unit can be easily held by a user for being removed.