Collapsible Shelving Unit With Pivoting Divider for Compact Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional article holding racks or shelving units are often complex to assemble and disassemble, making storage and setup inconvenient due to their intricate construction.
Innovation Solution
A preassembled, collapsible shelving unit design featuring a rear support frame with pivotally connected side support frames and shelves that can be easily unfolded and folded, utilizing a movable divider system with clips for efficient conversion between shelf-supporting and collapsed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional shelving units use complex construction to achieve stability and shelf-supporting capability, then structural strength is improved, but assembly difficulty and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving unit is divided into modular components including side support frames, rear support frame, shelves, and dividers that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each component is designed as a separate unit with standardized connection points, allowing complex structural requirements to be met through modular assembly rather than monolithic construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible design allows components to nest within each other during storage and transport. The side support frames can be positioned within the rear support frame structure, and shelves can be stored in vertical positions within the frame structure, reducing overall footprint while maintaining full structural capability when deployed.
2Ease of operation
If shelving units are designed to be collapsible for easy storage, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability during collapse may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving unit incorporates dynamic connection mechanisms including pivot connections at the rear support frame and shelf mounting points that allow controlled movement between extended and collapsed states. These dynamic joints maintain structural integrity during transition by providing stable pivot points and controlled motion paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The design includes pre-positioned connection points and alignment features that guide the collapse and assembly process. The pivot connections are pre-configured at optimal locations to ensure proper alignment during folding, and the shelf mounting positions are predetermined to maintain stability throughout the transition sequence.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shelving units use multiple components for functionality, then adaptability is improved, but assembly time and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side support frames serve multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling collapse motion, and serving as mounting points for shelves and dividers. The rear support frame similarly provides structural stability while incorporating pivot connections for both side frame attachment and shelf mounting, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are combined into single components to reduce part count. The rear support frame integrates both structural support and pivot connection functions. The side support frames combine structural, motion, and mounting functions. Shelves serve both as storage surfaces and as structural elements that can be positioned in multiple configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelving unit movable between a shelf-supporting condition and a collapsed condition includes first and second side support frames pivotally connected to a rear support frame. At least two shelves are pivotally mounted to the rear support frame for movement between a horizontal position supported on the first and second side support frames, and a vertical position removed from the first and second side support frames. At least one divider is pivotally mounted to one of the at least two shelves between a vertical position between the at least two shelves and a horizontal position folded against the one of the least two shelves. The first and second side support frames are folded forwardly of the at least two shelves in the vertical position thereof, and the second side support frame is also folded forwardly of the at least one divider folded against the one of the at least two shelves to form a compact folded, layered arrangement so that the shelving unit is easy to store and transport.