Three-Stage Sliding Rail Latch With Swing-Arm Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-stage sliding track assemblies lack an efficient mechanism for easy engagement and disengagement of rails, which complicates their assembly and usage.
Innovation Solution
A sliding track assembly featuring a first, second, and third rail with a latch mechanism on the second rail, comprising a pair of swing arms and an elastic means, where the swing arms are engaged against a retaining block and disengaged by a protrusion on the third rail, allowing for reciprocal movement and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional latch mechanism is used in three-stage sliding track assembly, then the rails can be positioned and released, but the assembly and disengagement of rails becomes complicated and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into two independent swing arms (first swing arm and second swing arm) that can move separately. Each swing arm has its own engagement surface and can be actuated independently by protrusions on the rails, simplifying the overall disengagement process while maintaining secure latching
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arms are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically respond to protrusions on the rails. The swing arms can rotate about their respective pivot points to engage or disengage from the rails, providing ease of operation while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure
2Reliability
If a secure latch mechanism is implemented to hold rails in position, then the rails remain stable, but the mechanism for easy release and movement becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Protrusions on the rails serve as intermediary elements that transfer force to the swing arms. When a rail moves, its protrusion automatically pushes against the engagement surface of the corresponding swing arm, causing it to rotate and disengage without requiring additional release mechanisms or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the movement of the rails themselves. As the rails move into or out of position, their protrusions automatically engage or disengage the swing arms, eliminating the need for external actuation mechanisms and simplifying the overall system
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 assembly and convenient usage by enabling the rails to be easily latched and unlatched, allowing for smooth reciprocal sliding and returning to a collapsed state, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a latch mechanism on the second rail, comprising a pair of swing arms and an elastic means
Data Source
AI summary
Sliding track assembly is provided. A sliding track assembly includes a first rail (10), a second rail (20) reciprocally moved with respect to the first rail, a third rail (30) reciprocally moved with respect to the second rail, and a latch mechanism (60) disposed on the second rail. The first rail has a retaining block (11), and the third rail has a protrusion (31). The latch mechanism includes a pair of swing arms (61) engaged against the retaining block. When the latch mechanism is forced by the protrusion, the pair of swing arms is swung outwardly and disengaged from the retaining block.