Undermount slide assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing undermount slide assemblies occupy valuable space and struggle to balance reduced cross-sectional dimensions, increased load capacity, and improved performance such as ease of movement and longevity.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a three-segment telescopic slide assembly with specific cross-sectional shapes and bearing arrangements, including lateral and upper sets of ball bearings, and a lock mechanism to facilitate smooth movement and secure attachment, allowing for reduced height and enhanced load-carrying capacity while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the slide assembly is located underneath the movable object, then it occupies space that otherwise could be occupied by the movable object, but this positioning is necessary for undermount application
Solution Approach 1:
The slide assembly is divided into multiple segments (first segment attached to stationary object, second segment attached to movable object, and intermediate segments) that can telescoping relative to each other. This segmentation allows the slide assembly to maintain a compact profile when retracted while providing sufficient support when extended, thus optimizing space utilization without compromising ease of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate segments are received within spaces defined by flanges of outer segments, creating a nested telescoping structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall height and cross-sectional dimensions of the slide assembly when retracted, while still allowing full extension for movement, effectively resolving the contradiction between space utilization and ease of operation.
2Volume of moving object
If the cross-sectional dimensions (especially height) are reduced, then space utilization improves, but load capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flanges are designed with different geometries and thicknesses at different locations to optimize both compactness and load capacity. The intermediate flanges extend below the outer flanges in certain regions, providing localized reinforcement where load bearing is critical while maintaining minimal overall height in other regions for compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide assembly incorporates multiple material types including metal components for structural strength and polymer bearings for smooth movement. This composite construction allows the use of thinner, more compact sections while maintaining adequate load capacity through strategic placement of high-strength materials where needed.
3Ease of operation
If lateral bearings are provided between outer and intermediate segments, then ease of movement improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral bearings serve multiple functions: they facilitate smooth movement between segments, support vertical loads, and guide the telescoping action. By designing the bearings to perform multiple functions simultaneously, the need for additional separate components is reduced, thus improving ease of movement while limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 achieves a compact design with increased load capacity and improved performance by allowing smooth extension and retraction while maintaining a lightweight construction, suitable for applications like commercial or airplane use.
Implementation Method 1
sets of bearings are provided between one or more of the outer, intermediate and inner slide segments
Data Source
AI summary
An undermount slide assembly includes an outer slide segment, an intermediate slide segment and an inner slide segment. The outer slide segment has a web, a first flange and a second flange. The web defines an upper surface that is mountable to a first object. The intermediate slide segment has a web, a first flange and a second flange. The web is received within a space defined between the first and second flanges of the outer slide segment. At least portions of the first and second flanges of the intermediate slide segment extend below the first and second flanges of the outer slide segment. The web and the first and second flanges of the intermediate slide segment define a space therebetween. An inner slide segment is received within the space defined between the web and the first and second flanges of the intermediate slide segment.