Assembly Shelf with Engagement Structures for Fast Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly shelves require time-consuming alignment of upper and lower shelf units during assembly, limiting operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The assembly shelf design includes engagement structures on the upper surfaces of the first horizontal frame members of the first shelf unit and the lower surfaces of the second horizontal frame members of the second shelf unit, allowing for easy alignment and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional connection method with joint holes and embedded nuts is used, then shelf units can be connected, but alignment takes time and reduces assembly efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structures are pre-formed on the shelf units before assembly, with positioning protrusions and positioning grooves designed in advance to guide alignment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment operations during assembly, as the structures automatically guide the shelf units into proper alignment when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second shelf units. The positioning protrusion on one shelf unit fits into the positioning groove of the other shelf unit, serving as a mediating element that facilitates automatic alignment and connection, thereby reducing assembly time and improving efficiency.
2Productivity
If engagement structures are added to horizontal frame members, then alignment efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure is merged with the existing horizontal frame members of the shelf units. The positioning protrusions and positioning grooves are integrated into the frame members themselves rather than being separate components, which simplifies the overall structure while maintaining improved alignment efficiency. This merging approach avoids adding unnecessary complexity to the system.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly shelf is configured by stacking a second shelf unit on a first shelf unit. An upper surface of at least one first horizontal frame member which is disposed in an upper part of the first shelf unit and a lower surface of at least one second horizontal frame member which is disposed in a lower part of the second shelf unit are respectively provided with engagement structures that engage with each other.