Adjustable Shelf Brackets for Stable Intermediate Shelf Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire frame shelving systems do not allow for convenient removal and adjustment of intermediate shelves without destabilizing the entire structure, requiring additional effort and often two people to accomplish.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bracket system that includes a mounting member for the shelf, a coupling member for the vertical support, and a stop to secure the bracket at different positions along the support post, enabling individual removal and adjustment of intermediate shelves without affecting top and bottom shelves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the traditional sleeve and collar system is used to secure shelves to vertical supports, then the shelves can be firmly held in place, but intermediate shelves cannot be removed or adjusted without removing all shelves above them, causing instability and requiring multiple people
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the connection system into separate components: a collar that remains on the vertical support and a sleeve that connects the shelf to the collar. This segmentation allows the sleeve to be independently removed from intermediate shelves without affecting the stability of the shelving system, as the collar remains secured to the support.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is extracted from the shelf and remains on the vertical support, while only the sleeve is removed when an intermediate shelf needs to be taken down. This extraction allows the shelf to be independently removed without disturbing the entire shelving system structure.
2Productivity
If multiple shelves are removed to access an intermediate shelf, then the intermediate shelf can be accessed, but the shelving system becomes unstable and the process requires significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connection system into a permanent collar on the support and a removable sleeve on the shelf, the invention enables direct removal of intermediate shelves without the time-consuming process of removing multiple shelves above them.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar remaining on the vertical support serves as a permanent anchor point that enables future shelf installations or adjustments without requiring additional components or complex procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the shelf structure is designed for firm securing using sleeves and collars, then the shelves are stable, but adjusting shelf positions becomes difficult and awkward requiring manual support and two people
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces adjustable stops that can be positioned at different heights on the vertical support, allowing the shelf height to be dynamically changed. The stops provide fixed positioning when needed but can be easily repositioned to adjust shelf locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop acts as an intermediary element between the collar and the shelf, providing a simple mechanical constraint that guides the shelf to the desired height without requiring complex locking mechanisms or multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelving system having a top, bottom and intermediate shelves mounted on vertical supports. The intermediate shelves are mounted on adjustable brackets that permit individual removal of the intermediate shelves without disturbing the top and bottom shelves. The adjustable brackets comprise at one end a pin that is adapted to be inserted into a series of apertures formed along the length of each support. Opposite the pin, a mounting member is sized and shaped to receive a corner of each shelf. A stop is formed on the bracket between the pins and mounting member.