Storage Furniture with Detachable Shelf Supports for Weld-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage furniture requires complex assembly processes involving bending and welding of grid edges and support bars, which are cumbersome and limit customization options.
Innovation Solution
A detachable support element with flexible fitting elements that attach to the grid edges without welding, allowing the shelf to be fixed to cross beams without bending, enabling easy assembly and customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the grid edges are bent and support bar is welded to the grid, then the shelf structure stability is improved, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support bar is divided into multiple segments that can be separately assembled to the grid panels. Each support bar segment connects to grid panels through individual connection elements, allowing modular assembly without requiring bending or welding operations. This segmentation enables the shelf structure to achieve stability through precise geometric fitting and mechanical interlocking of discrete components.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection elements serve as intermediaries between the support bar segments and grid panels. These connection elements facilitate detachable attachment without requiring bending of grid edges or welding operations. The connection elements enable stable joining through mechanical interlocking, threadable connections, or friction-fit mechanisms, thereby achieving structural stability while maintaining assembly simplicity.
2Reliability
If the grid edges are bent to embrace cross beams, then the shelf fixation to beams is improved, but the manufacturing precision and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements are pre-configured with attachment mechanisms that engage with standardized features on the cross beams. This preliminary preparation of connection elements eliminates the need for precise bending of grid edges during assembly. The pre-designed connection geometry ensures reliable fixation to cross beams through consistent mechanical engagement, reducing both manufacturing precision requirements and production time.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical bending and embracing mechanism is replaced with a detachable connection system using connection elements. Instead of requiring grid edges to be bent into specific profiles to embrace cross beams, the connection elements provide standardized attachment interfaces that simplify the fixation process. This substitution maintains reliable shelf-to-beam connection while significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
3Strength
If the support bar is welded to the grid, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of repair and component replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support bar connection system transitions from a static welded joint to a dynamic detachable connection. Connection elements enable the support bar segments to be easily detached and reattached to grid panels, providing structural strength equivalent to welding while allowing simple component replacement. This dynamic connection system maintains load-bearing capacity through mechanical interlocking or threaded fastening while enabling rapid maintenance and repair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable connection system allows damaged support bar segments or grid panels to be easily removed and replaced without affecting other components. Connection elements enable the discarded component to be separated from the structure, and a new component can be quickly reattached to restore structural integrity. This approach maintains structural strength while dramatically improving ease of repair compared to welded connections.
4Adaptability or versatility
If bending and welding processes are used, then the shelf panel customization options are limited, but the productivity is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system is segmented into modular components including grid panels, support bar segments, and connection elements. This segmentation allows grid panels of various sizes and configurations to be assembled using the same standardized connection elements. Different grid panel arrangements can be achieved by simply repositioning and reconfiguring modular components without requiring bending or welding operations, thereby enabling customization while maintaining high assembly productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are designed as universal components that can attach support bar segments to various grid panel configurations and can also connect to standardized cross beams. This multi-functionality allows the same connection elements to accommodate different shelf sizes, grid patterns, and beam positions, providing extensive customization options without requiring different connection mechanisms for each configuration, thus maintaining high assembly productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Storage furniture comprising a frame comprising a structure of at least two beams, a support element, and a panel wherein the panel is provided with a first edge and a second edge opposite to the first edge; wherein the support element (220) is detachably connected between the beams for supporting the panel, wherein the support element comprises: an elongated body (230) for supporting the panel; a first fitting element (240) at a first end of the elongated body for detachably fixing to the panel by inserting through a first hole of the panel, a second fitting element (250) at a second end, opposite to the first end, of the elongated body for detachably fixing to the panel by inserting through a second hole of the panel, the second fitting element comprising a first receiver (252) for receiving the second edge of the panel; wherein the first fitting element comprises a second receiver (246) for receiving a first edge of the panel.