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linear slide rails with locking mechanism for bays

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trossenink

trossenink

Mechanical
Jan 20, 2023
2
Hello All!

I'm researching what the best solution would be for linear slide rails with locking mechanism for bays. It is similar to the rack system on a server rack or the way hard drives lock into racks on a PC. For this project we need a similar solution to install on an outdoor mobile platform. The box being mounted into the bay will be around 8~10 pounds and need to lock in place well enough to stay in while being driven around rough terrain. It doesn't need bearings, but does need to be all weather. So we are simply looking for a metal linear sliding rail system with locks that we can mount onto the box and onto the chassis. Any ideas?
 
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Well, you've opened up the question, "How rough?"

One notion pops up for me is soft-close drawers, which require some effort to engage the soft-close mechanism, so possibly a set of heavy-duty slides might have enough of a threshold to make that work. Conversely, you might be able to modify the mechanism for a larger effort to pull out the slide.

There are more traditional detent mechanisms that could be added to a drawer that might work, as well.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert! faq731-376 forum1529 Entire Forum list
 
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Pretty rough. Think ATV on rough terrain going max of 6mph.

Drawer sliders are close to what we are aiming for, but they have bearings which we want to avoid and they are locked in. The box needs to be completely removable.

I cam across this marine product and it is fairly close, but the locking mechanism needs to be a hand lever of some sort.

Gun picatinny rail systems also come to mind as close to the mechanics we are looking for.
 
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Picatinny rails are not intended for sliding operations, though, since they're mostly a tilt, adjust, and lock operation.

Based on what you've written, it seems that a rail isn't even necessary? Have you considered using hex-bit locks with a blind, tapered, hex pin?

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert! faq731-376 forum1529 Entire Forum list
 
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Contact PBC Linear. They have a wide variety of sliding linear motion components, locking options, etc. And probably good for outdoor use.
I've used their products for years and have always had good results. Their application engineers know their stuff. Do not hesitate to call them and get personal assistance on your design. That's much better than just trying to learn everything from a website. It's their job to help you succeed. Use them.
 
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