Three-Frame Nested Rail Support for Adjustable Rack Depth Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing supporting devices for rail members in rack systems face limitations in increasing the supporting span and overall structural strength between the slide rail and the bracket, necessitating a solution that can accommodate different rack depths and enhance stability.

Innovation Solution

A supporting device comprising three movably attached supporting frames with transverse parts and elastic features, allowing for adjustable mounting to racks of varying depths, and featuring brackets with side and end walls for enhanced support and attachment options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a single bracket is used to mount the slide rail to the rack, then the device complexity is low, but the supporting span and structural strength are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is divided into multiple independent supporting elements (first supporting element, second supporting element, third supporting element) that can be separately arranged and connected to the rail member. Each supporting element provides localized support, and collectively they enhance the overall structural strength and supporting span without requiring a single complex rigid structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple supporting elements are nested within the rail member structure, with each element positioned at different locations along the rail. The first, second, and third supporting elements are arranged in sequence, creating a nested configuration that maximizes the use of available space while distributing the load across multiple attachment points to the rack.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the bracket is designed for a fixed rack depth, then the manufacturing precision is high, but the adaptability to different rack depths is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different rack depthsVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket incorporates movable supporting elements that can adjust their positions along the rail member. The first, second, and third supporting elements are designed to be movable relative to each other, allowing the bracket to adapt to different rack depths by reconfiguring the spacing and arrangement of these elements, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is designed as a universal mounting device that can accommodate multiple rack depths through its adjustable supporting elements. The same bracket structure with its three supporting elements can be configured for different rack specifications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized brackets for different rack depths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the supporting elements are fixedly connected, then the structural strength is high, but the ease of operation for adjustment is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting elements are designed with movable connections that allow easy adjustment during installation. The first, second, and third supporting elements can be moved independently along the rail member to achieve the desired configuration for different rack depths. Once positioned, they can be secured to maintain structural strength during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting elements are pre-configured with mounting features and connection mechanisms that facilitate easy adjustment and securing. The movable nature of the elements allows for preliminary positioning before final fixation, enabling operators to easily adjust the bracket configuration and then secure it to maintain structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3324714B1Supporting device for rail member
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP3324714B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3324714B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3324714B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A supporting device (20, 200, 300) for rail member includes a first supporting frame (26, 202, 302), a second supporting frame (28, 204, 304) and a third supporting frame (30, 206, 306). The first supporting frame (26, 202, 302) has a pair of first supporting features (42, 210, 310) for supporting the second supporting frame (28, 204, 304). The second supporting frame (28, 204, 304) is movably attached to the first supporting frame (26, 202, 302). The second supporting frame (28, 204, 304) has a pair of second supporting features (48, 214, 314) for supporting the third supporting frame (30, 206, 306). The third supporting frame (30, 206, 306) is movably attached to the second supporting frame (28, 204, 304). One of the first supporting frame (26, 202, 302) and the third supporting frame (30, 206, 306) is fixedly attached to a rail member (22).