The mechanism you are referring to is commonly known as a "dovetail slide" or "dovetail drawer slide." It's a type of drawer slide mechanism that uses a series of interlocking wedge-shaped profiles (similar to dovetail joints in woodworking) to allow smooth and precise sliding motion while maintaining stability and weight-bearing capacity.
The dovetail slide system consists of two main parts: the drawer side and the cabinet side. The drawer side has a dovetail-shaped profile, and the cabinet side has a corresponding dovetail-shaped groove. When the two parts are fitted together, they create a strong and rigid connection that resists lateral movement while allowing smooth sliding in and out.
The spring-loaded little ramp you mentioned is likely an additional feature added to assist in the opening and closing of the drawer. When you pull the drawer, the ramp pushes against the cabinet side's dovetail, causing the drawer to disengage and slide out effortlessly. When you push the drawer back in, the ramp pushes against the drawer side's dovetail, causing it to re-engage with the cabinet side and secure the drawer in place.
Dovetail slides are often used in high-end furniture, cabinetry, tool chests, and pull-out working surfaces because of their strength, durability, and smooth operation. They are particularly favored in applications where precision and stability are essential, making them well-suited for heavy-duty and high-quality sliding mechanisms.