Support Beam Cover With Guide Projection for Panel Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated stock control systems face challenges in assembling panels between support beams, as the process is cumbersome and prone to damaging cabling, requiring two people to align and fix panels correctly.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a cover with a guide projection and positioning projections on the support beams allows panels to be easily aligned and fixed between beams, protecting the cabling and enabling single-person assembly by providing a mounting guide and alignment aid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If panels are mounted directly between support beams using existing methods, then assembly can be completed, but the process is cumbersome and requires two people to align and fix panels correctly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAssembly easeVSAvoidAssembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A cover component is introduced as an intermediary element between the support beam and the panel. The cover includes a guide projection that engages with a corresponding groove on the panel, providing alignment guidance during assembly. This mediator component simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for manual alignment between two people, while the cover itself is fixed to the support beam using standard fastening methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If panels are assembled without protective measures, then assembly process is straightforward, but cabling on the surface of support beams is prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAssembly simplicityVSAvoidCabling damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is pre-installed on the support beam before panel assembly begins. This preliminary action creates a protective barrier that shields the cabling running along the surface of the support beam from potential damage during the panel installation process. The cover serves both as a protective element and as a mounting structure for the panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple levels of panels are installed on several beams, then storage capacity is increased, but the assembly task becomes increasingly cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveStorage configuration flexibilityVSAvoidAssembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly system is segmented into modular components: support beams, covers with guide projections, and panels with corresponding grooves. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled. The standardized interface between covers and panels through the guide projection-groove mechanism enables rapid assembly of multiple levels without increasing complexity, as each level follows the same assembly pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3742929B1Component for a storage system
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 SUPPLY POINT SYST
  • EP3742929B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3742929B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3742929B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a cover for a support beam in a storage system comprising a plate; an abutment portion extending upwards from the plate; and a guide projection formed on the upper surface of the plate and extending at an angle to the abutment portion, wherein the plate further comprises at least one positioning projection formed in a side of the plate and extending along the guide projection.