Collapsible Hanging Shelf with Gravity-Driven Extension and Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collapsible hanging shelves face limitations in weight-bearing capacity and space efficiency, as they often rely on adhesive hooks and do not easily collapse into a smaller size, making them unsuitable for space-sensitive users and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible hanging shelf design featuring a plurality of shelf members and connecting units with crossing bars and control bars that allow the shelf to be pulled down by gravity for extension and collapse, reducing size significantly when not in use, without requiring external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesive hooks or stickers are used to attach the shelf to the door, then the shelf can be easily installed, but the weight-bearing capacity is limited by the adhesive strength
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is divided into multiple independent shelf members (first, second, third shelf members) that can be separately attached to the door. Each shelf member has its own connecting units, allowing the weight to be distributed across multiple attachment points rather than concentrating stress on a single adhesive hook, thereby increasing overall weight-bearing capacity while maintaining ease of installation
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf members are designed to be stackable and nestable when collapsed. The shelf members can be attached to each other through connecting units, creating a nested configuration that both strengthens the overall structure for weight-bearing and enables compact storage when not in use
2Stability of the object's composition
If the shelf is designed as a firm structure for stability, then it can support items securely, but it occupies space whether in use or not and causes transportation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf members are designed with collapsible connecting units that allow the structure to dynamically change between an extended stable configuration for use and a collapsed compact configuration for storage and transportation. This dynamic capability enables the shelf to maintain structural stability when needed while minimizing space occupation when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf members are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, with each shelf member containing or being contained by the connecting units of adjacent shelf members. This nesting arrangement dramatically reduces the volume occupied by the shelf during storage and transportation while maintaining full structural integrity when deployed
3Strength
If the shelf members are connected with multiple connecting units, then the weight-bearing capacity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-unit connection system is segmented into identical, modular connecting units that can be mass-produced and easily assembled. Each connecting unit is a self-contained module with standardized components (bars, joints, control mechanisms), reducing the complexity of manufacturing and assembly despite the overall structure containing multiple such units
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting units incorporate resilient elements that change their mechanical parameters (stiffness, flexibility) based on the state of the shelf. When the shelf is extended, the connecting units provide rigid support for weight-bearing; when collapsed, they allow flexible movement for compact storage. This parameter change capability reduces the need for complex mechanical locking mechanisms
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 shelf can bear heavy items and collapse into a compact form using gravity, enhancing convenience and space efficiency for users, especially in small living spaces and during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
the connection units of the hang shelf is resilient, more or less like a spring
Implementation Method 2
When the shelf is hung on the door, it can be pulled down by gravity and stop extension at fully extended position with the help of its control bar
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible hanging shelf may include a plurality of shelf members and a hanging member. A shelf member includes more than one parallel placed connecting units and a shelf. A connecting unit include one pair of crossing bars and a control bar that connecting a shelf and one of the pair bar. A shelf member connected with at least two connecting units at the points of one end of the control bar and the cross point of crossing bars. Each shelf is placed with other shelf in a vertically parallel manner. Once the hanging shelf is hung on the door, it can be pulled down by gravity and stopped at a fully extended position without applying any external forces. When it is taken off from the door and put it on the ground, the shelf can be quickly collapsed into a space saving position under the control of gravity.