Concealed Shelf Support with Spring-Loaded Pin Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional concealed shelf-support devices are inefficient due to extensive and costly milling processes, weakening the shelf, visible holes, and instability during installation and use, requiring specific tools and precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
A concealed shelf-support device using a cylindrical bushing with a T-shaped opening and spring-loaded pin system, allowing for secure engagement without visible holes and minimizing drilling and milling, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without specialized tools, and providing structural stability through a spring-loaded mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If milled grooves are used to join the shelf to the wall, then the jointing elements can be inserted and the shelf can be installed, but the milling process is long and costly and weakens the shelf considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The jointing element is divided into two separate parts: a first element inserted into a recess in the wall and a second element (bushing) inserted into a recess in the shelf. This segmentation eliminates the need for extensive milling of the shelf while maintaining joint functionality and preserving shelf structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The jointing mechanism is extracted from the shelf material itself and replaced with a separate bushing element that fits into a minimal recess. This extraction eliminates the harmful milling process that weakens the shelf while maintaining the jointing function.
2Reliability
If the milled groove extends along the whole length of the shelf side, then the jointing element can be fully engaged, but the milling process becomes longer and more costly
Solution Approach 1:
The jointing function is segmented into two separate recesses (one in the wall, one in the shelf) that receive separate elements. This allows the shelf recess to be small and localized, dramatically reducing milling time and cost while maintaining full joint engagement through the interaction of the two elements.
3Shape
If blind milled cuts are used on the sides of the shelf, then the joint can be concealed, but additional holes are required on the surface of the shelf which remain visible
Solution Approach 1:
The jointing mechanism is extracted into a separate bushing element that is inserted into a recess in the shelf. This allows the recess to be positioned and shaped to be completely concealed by the shelf surface, eliminating the need for additional visible holes or plugs.
4Ease of operation
If the shelf is installed by sliding it horizontally to engage the jointing element, then the joint can be assembled, but the shelf may shift if pushed horizontally after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The first jointing element incorporates a cam mechanism that can be rotated to dynamically change the engagement state. Rotation of the cam transforms the joint from a loose state during installation to a locked state for stable operation, preventing horizontal shifting while maintaining ease of installation and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism utilizes periodic rotation to cycle the joint through different engagement states. Each rotation of the cam periodically locks or unlocks the joint, providing stable locking during use while allowing easy repositioning when needed.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a revolving cam is used to engage the jointing elements, then the joint can be assembled and disassembled, but specific tools are required and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed to be manually operable without requiring special tools. The user can directly rotate the cam with their hand to assemble or disassemble the shelf, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for specialized installation tools.
6Ease of operation
If pins are fastened to the wall and the shelf is slid to engage them, then the joint can be formed, but precise centering of pins into holes is required
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing element in the shelf provides a pre-formed receptacle that cushions and guides the first jointing element during insertion. This beforehand preparation eliminates the need for precise centering, as the bushing accommodates minor misalignments and guides the elements into proper engagement.
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 solution simplifies the installation and removal process, enhances structural strength, and ensures stability by engaging the shelf and wall securely with a spring-loaded pin system, reducing the need for extensive machining and tool usage.
Implementation Method 1
spring-loaded pin system
Implementation Method 2
spring-loaded mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Concealed shelf-support device to fasten and support a shelf (R) or a similar element to a wall (P) of a furniture unit or similar element, comprising a first joining and support element (10) inserted into a relative recess formed in the wall and cooperating with a second joining and support element (11) inserted into a relative recess formed on the side of the shelf, the first element forming the seat in which is engaged the second element consisting of a spring-loaded pin (15, 17). According to the invention, at least one of said first and second joining elements (10, 11) is provided with a surface (18, 27) that is inclined with respect to the surface of the shelf to be mounted on the wall, said inclined surface being suitable to automatically guide both the insertion and the extraction of said spring-loaded pin (15, 17) into and out of said seat through the displacement of the shelf (R) in a direction parallel to the wall (P).