Slim Drawer Slide Raceway Structure for High Load in Tight Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drawer slides face challenges in supporting significant loads while maintaining a slim profile, particularly in rack-mounted computer equipment applications where space is limited, and different equipment sizes complicate drawer slide design, often requiring different slides for varying rack sizes.
Innovation Solution
A slim drawer slide design featuring a pair of longitudinal raceway structures with an S-shaped cross-section, including inward and outward facing arcuate raceways, and a telescopic configuration with an intermediate slide member that extends between outer and inner slide members, utilizing bearings and abutments for enhanced strength and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the drawer slide is made thinner to reduce space occupation, then the width space required is reduced, but the strength and load-bearing capacity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the intermediate slide member is positioned between the outer and inner slide members, with raceways nested within each other. The first raceway is formed in the outer slide member, the second raceway in the intermediate slide member, and the third raceway in the inner slide member, creating a telescopic nested arrangement that maximizes strength within minimal width space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar structure to a three-dimensional spatial configuration by creating arcuate raceways that extend in multiple directions. The raceways are formed with curved paths that utilize vertical and depth dimensions, allowing the slide members to bear loads more effectively while maintaining a slim profile.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different drawer slides are designed for different rack sizes to accommodate varying equipment weights, then the adaptability to different equipment sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal drawer slide system where the telescopic configuration with outer, intermediate, and inner slide members can accommodate various equipment sizes and weights. The nested raceway structure allows the same basic design to handle different load conditions by engaging different combinations of raceways, eliminating the need for multiple specialized slide designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer slide employs a dynamic telescopic structure where the intermediate slide member can extend and retract between the outer and inner members. This dynamic configuration allows the slide to adapt its effective length and load-bearing characteristics based on the equipment being supported, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed designs.
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 design provides a compact, strong, and adaptable drawer slide solution that can accommodate varying loads and equipment sizes, ensuring ease of access and stability while minimizing material thickness and cost.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate slide member, the intermediate slide member extendably coupled to the outer slide member by bearings running in the inwardly facing arcuate raceways of the outer slide member
Data Source
AI summary
A drawer slide member including raceways formed of folded or solid material providing additional thickness while utilizing thin material may provide for increased strength of the drawer slide.