Shelf element for a shelf of a rack, in particular a sliding rack, shelf frame, shelf, and rack

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shelf elements with insertion receptacles formed by bending material sections often suffer from dimensional inaccuracies due to springback effects, leading to potential jamming or tilting of functional parts, and insufficient holding force under applied forces.

Innovation Solution

The shelf element is produced using extrusion, where the insertion receptacle is formed by extrusion, ensuring high dimensional accuracy and resilience-free material positioning, with a cavity for reinforcement and additional fastening points to prevent rotation and bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the insertion receptacle is formed by bending the material section relative to the base body, then the shelf element can be produced with simple manufacturing process, but the dimensional accuracy of the insertion receptacle is insufficient due to springback effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoiddimensional accuracy of insertion receptacle
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the manufacturing method from bending (which causes springback) to extrusion (which provides dimensional accuracy). The extrusion process allows precise control of the material section's position and shape through the extrusion die geometry, eliminating springback effects while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical bending process with an extrusion process. Instead of applying force to bend the material section after forming the base body, the material section is formed in its final position during the extrusion process itself, substituting a post-forming mechanical operation with a integrated forming process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If the insertion receptacle is formed by bending the material section, then the production cost is reduced, but the functional part may jam or tilt due to dimensional inaccuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidfunctional part insertion reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the manufacturing parameter from bending to extrusion, which provides consistent dimensional accuracy throughout the production process. The extrusion die geometry ensures that the material section maintains its intended position and shape, preventing jamming or tilting of functional parts while keeping production costs low through efficient manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the material section is bent to form the insertion receptacle, then the shelf element structure is simple, but the holding force is insufficient when considerable force is exerted by goods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf element structureVSAvoidholding force of functional part
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the structural formation method from bending to extrusion, creating a more rigid connection between the material section and base body. The extrusion process produces a homogeneous, integrated structure with superior mechanical strength that can withstand considerable forces from goods without compromising the simple overall design of the shelf element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If dimensional accuracy of insertion receptacle is increased through precise bending, then functional part insertion is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional accuracy of insertion receptacleVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the complex precise bending process with a simpler extrusion process that inherently provides dimensional accuracy. The extrusion die is designed with precise geometry that directly forms the material section in its final position, eliminating the need for complex bending operations and subsequent springback compensation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The extruded shelf element achieves precise dimensional accuracy, secure holding of functional parts, and enhanced stability against forces, preventing jamming and bending, while being cost-effective and easy to produce.

Implementation Method 1

the shelf element is an extruded part and the insertion receptacle is formed by extrusion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExtrusion: Extrusion

Data Source

PatentEP3016551B1Shelf element for a shelf of a rack, in particular a sliding rack, shelf frame, shelf, and rack
Publication Date: 2017.08.30 NILSSON RICKARD
  • EP3016551B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3016551B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3016551B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a shelf element (1; 1') for a shelf (200) of a rack, in particular a sliding rack, comprising an elongate main body (2) and a material segment (3) that is arranged on the main body (2) in such a way that an insertion holder (4) for a functional part (290) and/or for an information carrier (310) is formed, which insertion holder is open in the direction of a longitudinal side of the main body (2). According to the invention, the shelf element (1; 1') is an extruded part and the insertion holder (4) is formed by extrusion. The invention further relates to an extrusion die. Furthermore, the invention relates to a shelf frame (100), a shelf (200), and a rack, in particular a sliding rack.