Damped Shelf Flaps for Hands-Free Baked Goods Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelving systems with dampers for easy removal of baked goods face issues with long-term usability and incorrect operation, which can damage the damping elements.
Innovation Solution
A modular shelving system with lockable compartments and rotatably mounted flaps, featuring a damping element that allows easy and time-delayed opening and closing, enabling sufficient time for customers to remove goods without holding the flap, and allowing for easy retrofitting or conversion of dampers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a damper is installed in the upper area of the flap to enable easy removal of baked goods, then the flap can close slowly allowing sufficient time to remove goods, but the damper is not designed for long-term use and can be damaged by incorrect use
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful aspect (damper vulnerability) is extracted and addressed separately by providing protective structures and usage guidelines, while maintaining the core function of easy goods removal through the damper mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Protective measures are implemented in advance to prevent damper damage from incorrect use, ensuring long-term reliability while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate goods removal
2Ease of operation
If the flap is designed to open easily with low opening resistance, then customers can open the flap without difficulty, but the damping element may be damaged by excessive force or incorrect use
Solution Approach 1:
Protective structures and design features are incorporated to prevent excessive force from damaging the damping element, allowing easy opening while mitigating the risk of harm from misuse
3Ease of operation
If the flap closes slowly to allow sufficient time for goods removal, then customers do not need to hold the flap, but the closing time is extended which may affect operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The damping characteristics are optimized to provide sufficient closing time for hands-free goods removal while maintaining reasonable operational efficiency through controlled damping parameters
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
Ensures easy and long-term use of the shelving system by providing controlled opening and closing mechanisms, allowing customers ample time to remove goods without flap interference, while ensuring the dampers can be installed or supplemented later for continued functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a damping element is further provided, whereby an opening of the flap up to at least a first opening area BÖ1 with a first opening resistance WÖ1 is possible, wherein a damped closing of the flap is also possible by the damping element
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a shelving system (10) formed from modular parts (12) arranged side by side, with lockable compartments (34) for dispensing unpackaged goods, in particular baked goods such as bread, rolls or the like, with supports (20) on which brackets (32) are interchangeably arranged, wherein the lockable compartments (34) are provided with a horizontally mounted flap (40), wherein each flap (40) has at least one opening device (42), wherein the flap (40) encloses a dispensing area (36) and wherein shelves (30) and/or trays are provided, wherein each flap (40) is rotatably mounted, wherein a damping element (52) is further provided, whereby an opening of the flap (40) up to at least a first opening area (BÖ1) with a first opening resistance (WÖ1) is possible, wherein a damped closing of the flap (40) is also possible by means of the damping element (52).and is to be subdivided at least into a first locking area (BS1) and a second locking area (BS2).