Adjustable Shelf Corner Structure for Partial Disassembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shelving units with conical collar corner structures are complex to assemble and disassemble, preventing the addition or removal of intermediate shelves without reassembling the entire unit due to fixed corner structures and alignment issues.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable multi-component corner structure with a base segment movably connected to the shelf and an outside interlocking segment, allowing for alignment and secure attachment to support posts, enabling easy assembly, disassembly, and replacement of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a conical collar corner structure is used to secure shelves to posts, then the connection strength and rigidity are improved, but the assembly complexity and difficulty of partial disassembly increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The corner structure is divided into multiple segments: a base segment that remains attached to the shelf and outer segments that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the shelf to be disconnected from posts by removing only the outer segments, enabling partial disassembly without affecting the entire shelving unit while maintaining the secure connection when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The corner structure transitions from a fixed, permanent connection to a dynamic, adjustable connection. The base segment is movably connected to the shelf, allowing the corner structure to be positioned and repositioned as needed. This dynamic capability enables easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed corner structure is used to connect shelves to posts, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability for adding or removing intermediate shelves deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability for adding or removing shelves
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the corner structure into a permanent base segment and removable outer segments, the system achieves both stability and adaptability. The base segment maintains structural stability when attached, while the removable outer segments allow intermediate shelves to be added or removed without affecting the overall structural integrity of the shelving unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The corner structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to transition between stable and adaptable states. During normal use, the structure provides stable support. When modification is needed, the movable base segment and removable outer segments enable easy reconfiguration to add or remove intermediate shelves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a conical collar structure is used to ensure secure engagement, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The corner structure is segmented into a base segment that ensures reliable connection through its design features (such as recesses for receiving posts and positioning elements) and outer segments that can be easily removed. This segmentation allows the reliable connection function to be maintained in the base segment while the outer segments provide ease of assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The corner structure uses dynamic elements including a movable base segment on the shelf and removable outer segments to balance reliability and ease of operation. The base segment provides stable, reliable connection when in position, while its movability and the removability of outer segments enable easy assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If an intermediate conical clamping sleeve is used to achieve positive wedging, then the engagement security is improved, but the device complexity and structural intricacy increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement securityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The corner structure divides the clamping and securing functions between the base segment and outer segments. The base segment provides the primary connection structure with recesses for posts, while the outer segments incorporate the clamping sleeve elements. This segmentation achieves positive wedging and secure engagement while keeping each component relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7568436B2Adjustable multi-component conical corner structure for shelving
Publication Date: 2009.08.04 METAL MASTERS FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT CO INC
  • US7568436B2 patent drawing
  • US7568436B2 patent drawing
  • US7568436B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A shelving system comprises a plurality of upright support posts, a shelf having multiple corners and adjustable multi-component corner structure at each corner of the shelf for connecting the shelf to the posts. Each corner structure includes a base segment movably and adjustably connected to the shelf and an outside segment releasably secured to the base segment. The base segment is adjustable with respect to the shelf for proper alignment and connection of the corner structures to the posts.