Adjustable Shelf Floor Tabs for Versatile Object Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelves with modular structures have limited universal usage due to their fixed designs, making them less versatile for accommodating various objects of different sizes and shapes, particularly in environments like car workshops.
Innovation Solution
A shelf with adjustable tabs that can be raised from the bottom surface, allowing for flexible configuration and easy adaptation to different object sizes, combined with recesses for hangers and L-shaped posts for secure attachment, enabling versatile use and simplified manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If shelves are designed with fixed modular structures, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different object sizes and shapes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the shelf structure adjustable through movable tabs that can be positioned at different locations along the shelf base. These tabs can be slid or rotated to create different spacing configurations, allowing the same shelf to adapt to various object sizes and shapes while maintaining a fixed manufacturing process for the base structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf base is segmented into multiple sections with predetermined tab positions, allowing individual tabs to be independently adjusted. This segmentation enables flexible configuration of the shelf spacing without requiring custom manufacturing for each shelf design, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shelf designs are manufactured to accommodate different objects, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single shelf base that can serve multiple functions through its adjustable tab system. The same base structure can be configured to hold various object types and sizes by simply repositioning the tabs, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple specialized shelf designs for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable tab mechanism allows the shelf to dynamically change its configuration from a fixed design to a versatile adaptable structure. The tabs can be moved to different positions along the base, enabling the shelf to transform its spacing pattern to suit different storage needs without requiring physical replacement of the shelf unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tabs are made adjustable for flexible configuration, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tab mechanism is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing users to easily reposition tabs along the shelf base. The tabs incorporate features such as slots, holes, or ridges that enable simple sliding or rotating motions to change positions, making the adjustment process intuitive and requiring minimal effort while maintaining flexible configurability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The shelf (1) has a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge and two side edges. The bottom surface (2) has several tabs (8), which can be set at an angle to the bottom surface. The tabs are spaced out towards the front edge (3) at suitable intervals for the objects (7) to be stored. There may be a variety of such intervals, if different objects are to be stored on the same shelf.