Appliance Shelf Retention Assembly Without Glass Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional encapsulated glass cantilever shelving designs are bulky and require encapsulating materials, limiting usable shelf space and necessitating costly assembly processes and materials.
Innovation Solution
The design eliminates encapsulating materials on the top plane of the glass by incorporating anti-tip and retention features in the shelving assembly, using unique side supports that do not require adhesives and provide additional support with wire frames or reinforcement rods, allowing for easier assembly and increased usable space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encapsulating materials are used to secure the glass support plate, then the glass plate is retained and prevented from tipping, but the usable shelf space is reduced and the assembly becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate components: side supports with recesses and a wire frame assembly with pins, eliminating the need for continuous encapsulating material. The glass plate is segmented in its support points rather than being continuously enclosed.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful encapsulating material is extracted and removed from the design. Instead of enclosing the glass plate in plastic, the patent uses discrete mechanical retention features (recesses and pins) that provide security without the bulk and space consumption of encapsulation.
2Reliability
If encapsulating materials and adhesives are used in the shelving assembly, then the glass plate is securely retained, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the side supports: they provide structural support, contain recesses for retention, and integrate with the wire frame system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate adhesives and encapsulating materials, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire frame assembly with pins and the side support recesses create a self-retaining system that does not require external adhesives or complex assembly equipment. The components self-assemble through mechanical interference fits, reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If encapsulating material is used on the top plane of the glass, then the glass is retained, but the usable shelf space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is moved from the top plane of the glass (where it would consume shelf space) to the side supports and wire frame structure below. The recesses are formed in the side supports rather than on the glass surface, transferring the retention function to a different spatial dimension.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelving assembly includes a support plate, left and right side supports, and rear and front anti-tip and retention features. The side supports each include a front end located adjacent to a front edge of the support plate, and a rear end located adjacent to a rear edge of the support plate. A portion of the rear and front anti-tip and retention features is disposed above the support plate for preventing tipping and for retaining the support plate on the side supports. The front and rear anti-tip and retention features are spaced apart such that a majority of the top surface of the support plate along opposite left and right side edges is freely exposed and unencumbered by the front and rear anti-tip and retention features.