Clip-On Shelf Frame Assembly With Dual-Zone Connecting Strip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf manufacturing methods, such as those described in DE 87 15 166 U1, DE 299 00 661 U1, DE 94 17 324 U1, DE 86 34 281 U1, and EP 0 281 766, face challenges in producing a tray that is both cost-effective and meets high functional and visual standards, particularly in supporting the base plate via a frame with a secure and aesthetically pleasing connection.
Innovation Solution
A shelf design featuring a base plate with a connecting element that is materialially connected to the base plate and frictionally connected to the frame, allowing the frame to rest on the underside of the base plate, ensuring secure alignment and support while maintaining a clean optical finish, using a profile strip co-extruded from two different plastics with varying Shore hardness for enhanced frictional and sealing properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive bonding is used to connect the base plate to the frame, then material connection is achieved, but the frame cannot support the base plate effectively and assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into two functional zones: a first zone for material connection to the base plate and a second zone for frictional connection to the frame. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, enabling both strong connection and easy assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the connecting element have different Shore hardness values. The first partial area has higher Shore hardness for rigid material connection, while the second partial area has lower Shore hardness for elastic frictional connection. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between connection strength and assembly ease.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the edge strip is bent over to connect the base plate, then positive and non-positive connection is achieved, but the frame cannot support the base plate and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is segmented into a first partial area for material connection and a second partial area for frictional connection. This segmentation eliminates the need for bending operations while maintaining both positive and non-positive connection benefits, reducing assembly complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-material profile strip is used for connection, then manufacturing is simple, but frictional connection and sealing properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is made from two different plastics with different Shore hardness values co-extruded in a single piece. This composite structure provides both the frictional connection reliability needed for secure mounting and the sealing properties required, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through co-extrusion.
4Ease of operation
If the base plate is pressed into the frame from above, then assembly is simplified, but the connecting element must provide both material and frictional connection
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is segmented into two distinct functional zones that work together to enable simple top-down assembly. The first zone provides material connection to the base plate while the second zone provides frictional connection to the frame, allowing the base plate to be pressed into the frame from above without complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Different Shore hardness values in different regions of the connecting element enable it to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The harder first partial area provides rigid material connection while the softer second partial area provides elastic frictional connection, resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and connection reliability.
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 solution enables the shelf to be easily assembled by pressing the base plate into the frame, providing a secure, frictional connection that supports the base plate without play, ensuring a clean and functional finish, and allowing for efficient large-scale production while maintaining high visual standards.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting element (6) is fixed to the base plate (3) by material and/or positive connection, whereas it is fixed to the frame (2) by a purely frictional connection
Implementation Method 2
it is fixed to the frame (2) by a purely frictional connection
Implementation Method 3
using a profile strip co-extruded from two different plastics with varying Shore hardness for enhanced frictional and sealing properties
Implementation Method 4
a first partial area (10) lying in front of the outer circumference (11) in the horizontal direction and a second partial area (13) covering the outer circumference (11) on the upper side of the base plate (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
In the case of a tray (1) with a base plate (3) which has an upper side (14), an underside (15) and an outer circumference (11), a frame (2) which supports the base plate (3) on its outer circumference (11 ) and which rests against the underside (15) of the base plate (3), and a connecting element (6) which is arranged between the base plate (3) and the frame (2), the connecting element (6) has a horizontal direction in front of the outer circumference (11) and a second partial area (13) covering the outer circumference (11) on the upper side (14) of the base plate (3). The connecting element (6) is fixed to the base plate (3) by material and/or positive locking, while it is fixed to the frame (2) by frictional locking.