Adhesive Shower Corner Shelf for Stable High-Capacity Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shower and bath storage devices are either unstable and cumbersome when hung from the shower nozzle fixture or have limited holding capacity and lose adhesion over time when mounted with suction cups, interfering with shower use and posing a risk of falling.

Innovation Solution

A wall-mountable shelf with a frame and removable adhesive strips that securely attach to the wall surface, providing a stable and expandable storage solution that supports items commonly stored in such devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If devices are hung from the shower nozzle fixture, then they can be mounted without adhesive, but they become large, cumbersome, unstable, and interfere with shower use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting simplicityVSAvoidshower usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical mounting systems (suction cups, hooks, screws) with an adhesive bonding system. The adhesive strips create a chemical bond between the shelf backplate and the shower wall, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners that interfere with shower usage or require complex mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is divided into separate components: a backplate attached to the shelf frame and removable adhesive strips that bond the backplate to the wall. This segmentation allows for easy installation and repositioning while maintaining strong attachment, resolving the contradiction between mounting simplicity and shower usability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If devices are mounted with suction cups, then they can be easily installed and repositioned, but they have limited holding capacity and lose adhesion over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidholding capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the bonding mechanism from physical suction (which degrades over time) to chemical adhesion through adhesive strips. These adhesive strips maintain consistent bonding strength in humid environments, providing reliable holding capacity while remaining removable and repositionable for easy installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If mechanical fasteners are used, then strong holding capacity is achieved, but installation becomes complex and damage to the wall surface occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding capacityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical fasteners (screws, nails, clips) with an adhesive bonding system. The adhesive strips provide strong holding capacity through chemical bonding while requiring only simple surface preparation and pressing, eliminating drilling, wall damage, and complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If the shelf is mounted immediately below the shower head, then it is easily accessible, but it interferes with shower use and has limited mounting locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveitem accessibilityVSAvoidmounting location flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive strip system transforms the mounting from a fixed, permanent installation to a dynamic, repositionable configuration. Users can easily remove and relocate the shelf to optimal positions based on shower layout and user needs, providing both accessibility and mounting flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 shelf is inexpensive, easy to install, and offers strong support for bath items, maintaining adhesion even in humid environments, reducing instability and interference with shower use while increasing holding capacity.

Implementation Method 1

at least one stretch removable adhesive strip arranged between the back plate and the wall for securing the shelf to the wall surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2066206B1Adhesively mountable angled wall shelf
Publication Date: 2011.02.23 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP2066206B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

A wall mountable shelf for storing items in a shower or bath enclosure includes a frame, a base member connected with the frame, a back plate connected with the frame and arranged to support the frame on the wall, and adhesive arranged between the back plate and the wall for securing the shelf to the wall surface. The frame includes a top rail portion, a front rail portion, and a pair of side rail portions connecting the top rail portion and the front rail portion. Each side rail portion includes a back portion extending downwardly from the top rail portion and a bottom portion extending from the back portion to the front rail portion arranged at an angle of less than 90°.