Extruded shelving system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelving systems for cylindrical containers face challenges in adjusting lane widths to accommodate different container sizes, as they often require costly structures and struggle to resist lateral pressure from columns of containers, limiting their practicality and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The use of interlocking, extruded lane-forming members with adjustable widths, featuring inverted T-shaped center lane members and L-shaped left and right lane members, which can be easily assembled and disassembled to accommodate various container sizes without the need for a front rail, and incorporate pushers mounted on vertical divider panels to resist lateral pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional front-attached lane structures are used, then lane positioning is fixed, but lateral forces from cylindrical containers cause misalignment and require costly structures
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving system is divided into modular lane structures that can be independently assembled and configured. Each lane is a separate unit that can be attached to adjacent lanes, allowing the system to be segmented into manageable components rather than requiring a single complex front-attached structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from front-attached lane structures to full-length side-attached structures. By attaching lanes along their entire length rather than only at the front, the system gains structural stability in the lateral direction without requiring additional complex components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lane width adjustment is limited, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different container sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lane structures incorporate adjustable elements that allow the lane width to be dynamically changed to accommodate different container sizes. The system can be reconfigured from fixed-width lanes to variable-width lanes through simple adjustment mechanisms built into the modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular lane components are designed with universal features that allow them to serve multiple functions and configurations. The same basic components can create different lane widths and arrangements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized parts for different container sizes.
3Reliability
If separate connector elements are used, then lane attachment is secure, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment functionality is merged directly into the lane structures themselves rather than requiring separate connector elements. The modular lanes incorporate built-in attachment features that allow them to connect securely to adjacent lanes along their full length, eliminating the need for additional connector components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lane structures are designed to attach to each other through their own integrated features without requiring external connectors or additional fastening components. The modular elements self-assemble through their built-in attachment mechanisms, simplifying both assembly and reducing component count.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A product display system, particularly for the display of cylindrical containers in columns, is comprised of extruded left and right lane members (54, 55) and any number of extruded center lane members (50). The center lane members (50) are of inverted T-shaped configuration including a vertical center wall (51) and upper and lower base elements (52, 53) extending from opposite sides. The lower base elements (53) are formed across their entire width with closely spaced, alternating grooves (58) and projections (56) extending longitudinally for the full length of the lane members. The upper base elements (52) have elements (60) at outer edges thereof to engage with a selected groove and/or projection of an adjacent lane member to form a lane of desired width. Pushers (61) are mounted on the vertical walls (51) to maximize the area available for grooves and projections and thus provide maximum width adjustment possibilities. A front product stop (80), and manner of mounting the same, are also provided.