Snap-In Latching Projection for Drawer Slide Adapter Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for fixing a sliding element to a rail of a drawer slide require numerous components and are complex to assemble and disassemble.
Innovation Solution
A device with a holder that fixes an adapter and rail, featuring a latching projection integrally formed on the adapter or rail, which engages in a snap-in mount, allowing for secure locking without additional components and enabling easy assembly and disassembly by moving the latching projection along an arcuate contour.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If numerous components are used to latch the drawer, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and latching functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The locking element performs both locking (preloading by spring) and latching (fixing to latching receptacle) operations, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed as a multi-functional component that can both lock and latch. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized parts, simplifying the device structure while ensuring reliable drawer fixation to the rail.
2Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded latching element is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism is integrated directly into the locking element, combining the easing operation benefit with the locking function. This integration avoids adding separate spring mechanisms as additional components, thereby maintaining ease of operation while minimizing device complexity.
3Reliability
If two latching positions are provided, then the reliability is improved, but the quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to interact with the rail structure to provide two latching positions through a single component. The integration of dual-position functionality into one locking element avoids the need for two separate latching mechanisms, thereby maintaining high fixation reliability while reducing the total quantity of components.
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 compact, easy-to-assemble design with high holding forces, passing impact tests, and allows for secure locking and effortless disassembly without additional unlocking means, using a latching projection that protrudes from the contact surface and is optionally surrounded by a U-shaped or L-shaped slot for resilience.
Implementation Method 1
The latching projection can be made from sheet metal by stamping and bending, with the latching projection optionally being integrally formed on the adapter or the rail. In order for the latching projection to be resiliently arranged to a certain extent, it can be surrounded by an L-shaped or U-shaped slot
Implementation Method 2
CN 103 494 454 discloses a fastening device for fastening a drawer to a rail of a pull-out runner, in which a locking element on a carrier is preloaded by a spring
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for fixing a pushing element (3) to a rail (10) of a pull-out guide (8), comprising a pushing element (3) with an adapter (20) on which a bearing surface (21) is embodied, a rail (10) of a pull-out guide (8), which at least partially lies on the bearing surface (21) of the adapter (20), and a holder which engages with an end section of the adapter (20) and an end (13, 18) of the rail (10) or a component (15) connected to the rail (10); wherein a catch projection (22) is embodied integrally with the adapter (20) or the rail, (10) said latching projection engaging in a latch receiver (11, 12) on the rail (10) or the adapter (20). The invention further relates to a method for mounting and dismounting a pushing element on and off a rail of a pull-out guide.