Adjustable Display Stand Shelves With Tool-Free Height and Tilt

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display stand structures lack flexibility in shelf height and inclination adjustments, requiring complex dismantling and being bulky, which complicates logistics and stability, especially when handling heavy objects.

Innovation Solution

A display stand with a support structure of two vertical poles and transverse display or storage elements, where each element's height and inclination can be easily adjusted using clipping lugs and central connecting pieces without tools, ensuring stability and compactness for packaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If screwing means are used to fix shelves to side panels, then the display stand can be assembled and disassembled, but the structure becomes bulky and logistics become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and disassembly capabilityVSAvoidbulkiness of display stand
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display stand is divided into modular components (base, vertical poles, shelves) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The connecting pieces feature standardized interfaces with multiple positioning holes, allowing segments to be reconfigured without requiring the entire structure to be bulky for logistics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system allows dynamic adjustment of shelf height and inclination through selectable positioning holes. The structure transitions from static fixed shelves to dynamically adjustable shelves, enabling compact configuration for shipping and expanded configuration for use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If welding or gluing is used to assemble the display stand, then the structure becomes final and stable, but flexibility for shelf organization is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility of shelf organization
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display stand uses segmented modular components connected by mechanical interfaces rather than permanent joints. Each shelf and pole can be independently positioned and repositioned, maintaining structural stability through precise mechanical fitting while enabling flexible reorganization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from static permanent joints (welding/gluing) to dynamic adjustable connections. Multiple positioning holes and selectable engagement points allow the structure to adapt to different organizational needs while maintaining stability through secure mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If simple rectangular jumpers are inserted into orifices, then assembly is simple, but the assembly becomes unstable and cannot support heavy objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of assemblyVSAvoidstability of shelf positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting pieces feature asymmetric T-shaped profiles with vertical flanges and horizontal positioning elements. This asymmetric geometry provides both simple insertion and enhanced stability, preventing lateral movement and rotation while supporting heavy objects through the interlocking T-shape configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system incorporates rounded features and tapered interfaces that guide insertion while providing friction-based holding. The curved surfaces of the T-shaped connectors work with corresponding recesses to create stable, tool-free assembly that resists dislodgement under load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Strength

If four legs are hooked into a vertical angle iron, then heavy objects can be placed on shelves, but mounting becomes tricky and assembly of additional shelves requires tedious operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidsimplicity of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting pieces are designed to be self-aligning and self-locating through their T-shaped profiles and multiple positioning holes. The vertical flanges guide insertion into the angle iron, and the horizontal elements automatically engage with positioning holes, eliminating the need for tricky alignment or tedious assembly operations for multiple shelves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized T-shaped connecting pieces serve multiple functions: providing load-bearing strength through vertical flanges, enabling simple assembly through horizontal engagement, and allowing height adjustment through multiple positioning holes. This universal connector design replaces the need for different assembly methods for different shelves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides a stable and flexible display or storage system that allows easy adjustment of height and inclination without tools, ensuring heavy objects can be securely placed, and the compact design simplifies logistics and assembly.

Implementation Method 1

clipping lugs which come respectively to fit into holes each belonging to one of the rows

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

external flanges of the bracket forming a vertical slide intended to receive by wedging a homologous part of the corresponding central connecting piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedging: Wedge

Implementation Method 3

the slide of each mounting bracket forms a T-slot, shaped to receive a homologous T-rib of the central connecting piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2340742B1Display and/or storage stand
Publication Date: 2012.12.05 PAPERFLOW
  • EP2340742B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2340742B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2340742B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The stand (1) has a bearing structure (2) comprising two posts (3) extended vertically from a support (4), where each post has an internal face (10) bored with superposed openings. An assembly of displaying and/or storing element (20) is extended transversally between the poles, and lateral edge of the element receives connection central parts. The central parts circumscribe two fixation straps at same height on the posts for directly stopping the element at the posts of the bearing structure in inclination corresponding to angular position of the central parts.