U-Shaped Rail Elastic Mechanism for Vibration-Stable Slide Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastic mechanisms for slide assemblies are prone to failure due to vibrations and are difficult to install on thin rails with limited space, as they rely on elastic strings that can be easily damaged or misplaced.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped elastic mechanism with first and second elastic sections and a connection section, which defines an elastic space, is designed to securely engage with both the rail and the movable member, providing stability and ease of installation by using recesses and sidewalls to maintain the movable member in a stable position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an elastic string is pressed on the rails to form a protrusion, then the elastic mechanism can be installed, but the elastic string is prone to dropping or elasticity failure due to vibration and impact
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: a U-shaped elastic member with first and second elastic sections, each having sidewalls and recesses. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall reliability while maintaining installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped elastic member acts as an intermediary between the rail and the movable member. Instead of directly pressing the elastic string on the rail, the elastic member with its recesses engages with both the rail opening and the movable member, providing a stable connection that resists vibration and impact.
2Ease of operation
If the elastic string is placed on the rail to form a protrusion, then the elastic mechanism functions, but when the rail is thin and space is limited, installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic mechanism transitions from a one-dimensional elastic string to a three-dimensional U-shaped elastic member with defined sidewalls and recesses. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to engage with the rail opening and movable member in multiple directions, providing stable connection without requiring additional space on thin rails.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped elastic member is designed to nest within the limited space between the rail and the movable member. The first recess engages with the rail opening periphery while the second recess engages with the movable member, effectively utilizing the available space without requiring additional external space.
3Reliability
If multiple movable members are used to generate movement relationships, then positioning functions and safety operations are achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped elastic member is designed as a universal component that can be used across different movable members and rail configurations. The same elastic member structure provides both positioning function through engagement with the rail opening and movable member, and safety function through controlled release mechanisms, eliminating the need for multiple specialized 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 U-shaped elastic mechanism ensures stable operation of the movable member, allowing for smooth linear or rotational movement while providing sufficient space for installation, even on thin rails, and can be easily operated to release or retract the positioning between rails.
Implementation Method 1
The first elastic section, the second elastic section and the connection section form a U-shaped elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
An elastic mechanism for a slide assembly includes a first rail having an opening. The elastic mechanism includes a first elastic section, a second elastic section, and a connection section connected between the first and second elastic sections. The first elastic section, the second elastic section and the connection section define an elastic space. The first elastic section includes two first sidewalls and a first recess is defined between the first elastic section and the two first sidewalls. The second elastic section includes two second sidewalls and a second recess is defined between the second elastic section and the two second sidewalls. The elastic mechanism is connected to the opening of the first rail to provide an elastic force by the first and second recesses.