Combinative shelving unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-assembling shelving units are inconvenient and inefficient due to the need for bolts and screws, limiting vertical adjustments and lacking horizontal expansion or reduction capabilities, resulting in poor customization variability.
Innovation Solution
A combinative shelving unit design featuring two stand assemblies with transverse links and a load tray that allows for tool-free assembly, enabling vertical and horizontal adjustments without screws, reducing component count, and enhancing structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolts and screws are used for fixtures in conventional shelving units, then the structural strength is improved, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (bolts and screws) with a friction-based insertion system. The connection element features an insertion end that fits into a receiving cavity, utilizing friction force between the connection element and the receiving structure to maintain structural strength without requiring threaded fasteners or additional tools for assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional shelving units are designed with fixed configurations, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the customization and expansion capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving unit is divided into modular components including multiple shelf boards, connection elements, and supporting structures that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in various configurations. This segmentation allows the same basic components to serve multiple purposes and enable both vertical and horizontal expansion according to user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element serves multiple functions: it connects shelf boards to supporting structures, enables both vertical and horizontal arrangements, and provides adjustment capability for different shelf positions. This multi-functionality allows a single standardized component to replace multiple specialized parts, enhancing customization without complicating manufacturing.
3Device complexity
If conventional shelving units allow only vertical adjustments, then the structural design is simplified, but the horizontal expansion capability is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the adjustment capability from a single vertical dimension to include horizontal dimensionality. The connection element is designed with features that allow it to connect shelf boards in both vertical stacks and horizontal rows, enabling the shelving unit to expand in multiple directions while maintaining a relatively simple underlying structural logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A combinative shelving unit includes two stand assemblies and a load tray. The two stand assemblies are arranged parallel to each other. Each stand assembly includes a pair of posts and a transverse link connected between the pair of posts. Each transverse link has a first assembling portion and a second assembling portion. One side of the load tray has a connecting portion and another side thereof has a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are staggered in position. The first connecting portion engages with the first assembling portion of one of the transverse links, and the second connecting portion engages with the second assembling portion of another one of the transverse links.