Collapsible Shelf Assembly With Adjustable Upright Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf devices lack flexibility and space optimization for storing and organizing objects of varying sizes, as they do not allow for adjustable spacing between uprights and do not efficiently collapse for storage.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible shelf assembly comprising a plurality of uprights that can be positioned between a collapsed and extended state, with shelves slidably coupled between the uprights, allowing for adjustable spacing and easy storage by folding the uprights and shelves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing shelf devices use fixed upright spacing, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different storage needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The uprights are designed with telescopic capability, allowing them to dynamically adjust their length and spacing. Each upright contains an inner telescopic portion that can extend relative to an outer portion, enabling the shelf to adapt to different storage configurations while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf device is divided into modular components including multiple uprights, shelves, and connecting mechanisms. Each upright can be independently adjusted, and shelves can be selectively positioned, allowing flexible reconfiguration without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
2Area of stationary object
If existing shelf devices have fixed structure, then manufacturing precision is easy to maintain, but space utilization is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The uprights can be extended to maximize storage space when needed and collapsed to minimize footprint for storage, with the telescopic mechanism allowing smooth transitions between states.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic uprights use a nested structure where an inner portion extends within an outer portion. When collapsed, the inner portions retract into the outer portions, significantly reducing the overall size of the shelf device for compact storage.
3Quantity of substance
If existing shelf devices lack collapsible feature, then structural stability is maintained, but storage efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is segmented into multiple independent uprights and shelves that can be independently adjusted and collapsed. This modular approach allows the system to achieve both high storage capacity when extended and compact size when collapsed, without requiring a single complex integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic uprights provide dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the shelf to expand to maximize storage capacity when needed and contract to minimize storage space when not in use, balancing storage efficiency with device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible shelf assembly includes a plurality of uprights. Each of the uprights is selectively positioned between a collapsed position and an extended position. A plurality of shelves is provided and each of the shelves is slidably coupled between an associated pair of the uprights. Each of the shelves may support an object. Each of the uprights is selectively positioned between a maximum distance apart from each other and a minimum distance apart from each other.