Shelf with integrated roller securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gravity-fed shelving systems face challenges in maintaining secure installation and facilitating easy maintenance or replacement of rollers, as the condition of bearings and other components deteriorate over time.
Innovation Solution
The proposed conveyor system for retail shelves features a conveyor frame with sockets that securely support roller shafts, and a wing mechanism that can be opened for easy installation and closed to secure the rollers, ensuring they remain securely installed during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rollers are securely installed in conventional gravity-fed shelving systems, then product presentation is maintained, but roller replacement and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic securing mechanism where wings can transition between open and closed positions. During installation, wings are open to allow roller shaft insertion into sockets. During operation, wings close to secure rollers with lips that engage the shafts. This dynamic state change enables both secure installation and easy removal by simply opening the wings.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor frame is divided into modular sections with individual sockets for each roller. Each roller can be independently installed or removed by manipulating its corresponding wings, allowing selective maintenance without affecting other rollers. The segmentation of the securing mechanism into separate wings for each roller facilitates easy access and replacement.
2Ease of repair
If rollers are easily removable for maintenance, then roller replacement is convenient, but secure installation during use may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism transitions from an open state during installation/maintenance to a closed state during operation. The wings act as dynamic elements that can be positioned to either allow access to roller shafts or to secure them with engaging lips, providing both ease of maintenance and secure installation at different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing structure serves as an intermediary mechanism between the roller shaft and the external environment. When closed, the wing lips mediate the connection between the shaft and frame, providing secure retention. When open, the intermediary allows direct access for maintenance. This intermediary element enables controlled access while maintaining security during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor system includes a conveyor frame having a frame base and a pair of parallel frame sidewalls. Each sidewall extend from a top side of the base to a distal end defining a plurality of sockets. The sockets include a socket bearing configured to support a corresponding roller shaft and a lip element extending across the opening at the distal end. In some examples, the conveyor frame includes at least one end coupler attached at an end of the conveyor frame. In some configurations, the conveyor frame includes a plurality of frame segments each defining a portion of a length of the conveyor frame.