Connector for modular rack assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe racks are inflexible and lack stability due to insecure connectors, requiring additional back frames that increase material and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular rack design featuring connecting assemblies with hooks and connectors that provide secure, tool-free assembly and disassembly, eliminating the need for a back frame by using resiliently biased wings and bumps for stable shelf support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional connectors are used in modular racks, then assembly is simple, but the connection stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional segments: a hook portion for engagement, a resilient portion providing elastic deformation capability, and a biased portion with protrusions that engage with recesses. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall connection stability through the combination of simple hook engagement and multi-point mechanical interlocking.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a back frame is added to increase stability, then the rack becomes more stable, but material cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the back frame component from the rack structure. Instead of relying on a separate back frame for stability, the connector itself is designed with inherent stabilizing features including the resilient portion and biased portion with multiple engagement points. This extraction simplifies the overall structure while maintaining stability through the improved connector design.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional connectors are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but additional components like back frames are required, increasing material usage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into the single connector component: the hook portion provides attachment, the resilient portion provides flexibility and stress absorption, and the biased portion with protrusions provides mechanical interlocking. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate back frames and other stabilizing components, reducing total material usage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a unified part design.
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 flexible assembly into various shapes without tools, enhancing stability and reducing material and shipping costs by eliminating the need for a back frame.
Implementation Method 1
Each wing resiliently biased against an inner wall of the well to secure the connector inside the well
Implementation Method 2
each wing having a bump positioned in the center of the inner surface of each wing that faces the space. Each hook is inserted through the elongated opening of a corresponding connector with the bump on each wing fitted inside the opening of the hook to retain the hook inside the body of the connector
Data Source
AI summary
A rack assembly has two support frames and at least one shelf that are secured to the support frames by connecting assemblies. Each connecting assembly comprises a well secured to a medial surface of each vertical tube of the support frame, and a hook that extends from each end of each shelf, with each hook having an opening extending therethrough. The connecting assembly also includes a connector that is seated inside each well, each connector having a top plate that has an elongated opening, the connector also having a body that is sized and configured to fit inside a well, the body defining two wings with a space between the wings, and wherein each wing has a bump positioned in the center of the inner surface of each wing that faces the space. Each hook is inserted through the elongated opening of a corresponding connector with the bump on each wing fitted inside the opening of the hook to retain the hook inside the body of the connector.