Connector apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage units with shelves or racks require connector components that are strong and stable to support items while allowing for selective attachment and adjustable height, yet must also be removable.
Innovation Solution
A connector component with a sidewall forming a loop and channels/grooves to secure shelves or racks to a storage unit's frame, using a connecting pin for attachment and frictional forces for retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If connector components are made strong and stable to support items, then support strength is improved, but ease of removal and adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector component is divided into distinct functional elements: a connector body for attachment to the frame, channels for receiving shelf ends, and grooves for additional retention. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the body provides strong attachment while the channels and grooves enable easy engagement and disengagement of shelves.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector component incorporates dynamic features including the connecting pin that can be inserted or removed to secure the connector to the frame, and the channels/grooves that allow shelves to be easily engaged and disengaged. This dynamic design enables the connector to transition between a secure attached state and a removable state, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If connector components are made secure and stable, then reliability is improved, but ease of adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector component is pre-configured with channels and grooves that guide the shelf ends into the correct position during attachment. The connecting pin is positioned to automatically engage with the frame opening when the connector is properly aligned, ensuring reliable attachment without requiring complex adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The channels and grooves act as intermediary elements between the shelf ends and the connector body. These intermediaries guide the shelf ends into proper alignment and provide frictional retention, enabling reliable attachment while maintaining ease of adjustment through simple push-in and pull-out motions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connector components allow selective removal, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector component is designed to maintain its own structural integrity and stability while attached to the frame, without requiring additional support structures. The frictional forces generated by the channels and grooves on the shelf ends provide self-retaining capability, allowing selective removal when needed while maintaining stability during normal use.
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
Enables secure, adjustable, and removable attachment of shelves or racks to storage unit frames, ensuring stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the frictional forces created between the shelf or rack end and the connector component channels and grooves
Data Source
AI summary
A connector component for use with a storage unit is provided. The connector component is configured to fit around and engage a frame support member of the storage unit and to receive and attach to an end portion of a shelving component used with the storage unit. The connector component can include a sidewall having two opposing ends. The sidewall can be configured in the form of a loop that forms an opening extending through the connector component, where the opening is configured to receive the frame support member of the storage unit. The connector component can further include a slot defined between the two opposing ends to allow the connector component to receive the frame support member. Each opposing end of the sidewall can include a channel extending along the height of the sidewall in order to receive and engage the end portion of the shelving component.