Shelf bracket for a shelf

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shelf supports require significant installation effort and are prone to damage due to the need for cable ducts for electrical supply, which complicates assembly and can lead to interference with the shelf surface.

Innovation Solution

A shelf support with a coil-coated metal sheet having an embedded electrical conductor within an electrically insulating plastic coating, which simplifies assembly and enhances stability by eliminating the need for a cable duct and reducing the risk of damage, using a primer and top coat for improved insulation and conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cable duct with electrical conductor is attached to the base body, then electrical supply is enabled, but assembly effort increases and the cable duct creates obstruction on the shelf surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly effortVSAvoidcable duct structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the base body and electrical conductor into a single integrated component. The coil-coated metal sheet serves both as the structural base body and as the electrical conductor, eliminating the need for a separate cable duct attachment. This merging of functions directly reduces assembly effort while removing the obstruction problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coil-coated metal sheet performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support as the base body, conducts electricity for power supply, and offers mechanical strength. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cable duct components, simplifying the overall structure and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a cable duct is attached to the base body for electrical supply, then electrical conductor is protected, but the cable duct creates obstruction that can lead to damage to the electrical conductor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor protectionVSAvoidconductor damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the electrical conductor directly into the coil-coated metal sheet base body, the patent eliminates the cable duct structure that creates obstructions. The conductor becomes an inherent part of the base body, removing the risk of damage from shelf loading while maintaining electrical functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the electrical conductor function from the separate cable duct structure and integrates it directly into the base body material itself. This extraction of the conductor from the obstructive cable duct eliminates the harmful obstruction while preserving conductor protection through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the base body is coil-coated with plastic for insulation, then electrical insulation is improved, but assembly effort increases due to additional coating processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidcoating process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coil-coating process applies the insulating plastic layer to the metal sheet during the manufacturing process, before the shelf support is assembled and installed. This preliminary application of insulation eliminates the need for additional coating steps during assembly, reducing assembly effort while ensuring proper electrical insulation is achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses coil-coating technology to apply a thin, uniform plastic layer with controlled thickness and composition. By optimizing the coating parameters (thickness, material composition, application method), the patent achieves adequate electrical insulation without requiring thick or complex multi-layer coatings, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution significantly reduces assembly effort, enhances electrical stability, and prevents conductor damage, while providing a stable and efficient electrical connection through a plug-in system with a coupling element.

Implementation Method 1

the base body (2) consists of a coil-coated metal sheet (7) with an electrically insulating plastic coating (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3865006B1Shelf bracket for a shelf
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 VOESTALPINE STAHL GMBH
  • EP3865006B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3865006B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3865006B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A shelf (100) and a shelf support (1) for the shelf (100) are provided, the base body (2) having a hook element (6) at one of its ends for hooking into a shelf rail (5) of the shelf (100), and a first electrical conductor (3.1) running along the base body (2) and attached to the base body (2). To ensure high stability, it is proposed that the base body (2) be made of a coil-coated metal sheet (7) with an electrically insulating plastic coating (8), wherein the first electrical conductor (3.1) is embedded in the electrically insulating plastic coating of the metal sheet (7).