Adjustable Shower Shelving With Pivot Suction Cup Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shower caddies with fixed suction cups often fail to securely attach to shower walls, especially over grout lines, and struggle to hold heavy or oversized toiletry items due to fixed shelf positions.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system with adjustable shelves that can be positioned vertically and laterally, featuring a clamping mechanism with pivotally mounted engaging members and a biasing device to securely attach to shower walls and accommodate various item sizes, and an adjustable suction cup mechanism to avoid grout lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed suction cups are used to attach the shower caddy to the wall, then the attachment method is simple, but the attachment reliability is poor especially over grout lines and cannot support heavy items
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup is mounted on a pivotally mounted arm that allows it to dynamically adjust its position. The arm can pivot to accommodate grout lines and surface irregularities, enabling the suction cup to maintain reliable attachment by self-positioning over flat surfaces rather than being fixed in place
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing device applies variable force to the engaging members, pressing them against the support member with sufficient force to support heavy wet articles. The biasing force can be adjusted or varied to maintain optimal attachment reliability under different load conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If shelves are fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to accommodate various sized items is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The shelves are mounted to be adjustable in both vertical and lateral directions, transforming from a static fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the shelves to adapt to different item sizes and positions while maintaining structural integrity through the adjustable support mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The shelving system is designed to accommodate various sized items including oversized toiletries by allowing shelf repositioning in multiple directions. The same shelf structure serves multiple functions by being adjustable to different positions rather than being dedicated to a single fixed configuration
3Ease of operation
If suction cups are positioned over grout lines, then the installation is easier, but the attachment force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotally mounted arm allows the suction cup to dynamically reposition itself after installation. Even if initially positioned over a grout line, the arm can pivot to move the suction cup over flat surfaces, maintaining both ease of initial installation and sufficient attachment force through self-adjustment
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 system provides secure attachment to shower walls and accommodates a range of item sizes, including oversized toiletries, by allowing adjustable shelf positioning and secure attachment to both shower walls and pipes, enhancing stability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing device configured to bias the first and second engaging members toward a position in which the engaging portions extend into the first and second vertical channels. At least one of the biasing member and the engaging portions can be configured to engage the first and second vertical channels with sufficient force to support the at least one member with at least one wet article supported by the at least one member
Data Source
AI summary
A shelving system including an elongated support member and a plurality of shelves, each of which can be supported by a clamping mechanism. The support member has a telescoping configuration so that upper and lower ends of the support member can be pressed against upper and lower stationary objects. The clamping mechanism allows the plurality of shelves to be adjusted both vertically and laterally along a length of the elongated support member.