Shelf assembly for high capacity storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular shelving systems face structural integrity issues when heavily loaded, leading to deflection, sagging, and potential tipping, which can cause damage to items and surrounding structures.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system with five support posts, including an integral receiver and reinforced members, provides increased structural integrity by preventing deflection and sagging at the center of the shelf, and includes features like adjustable feet and wall anchors for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a shelf is heavily loaded, then the storage capacity is improved, but the shelf deflects or sags reducing structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system divides the support function into multiple segments by using five support posts instead of traditional four, with an additional central support post that segments the shelf span into smaller sections, reducing deflection and sagging under heavy loads while maintaining storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by reinforcing the integral receiver with integrally formed reinforcing members at specific locations where loads are transferred to the support posts, providing localized strength enhancement precisely where needed to prevent structural failure under heavy storage conditions
2Strength
If support posts are added to prevent deflection, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support post function with the shelf body by integrally forming the reinforcing members with the shelf body at the integral receiver locations, creating a unified structural element that provides both support and reinforcement without requiring separate components, thus reducing overall system complexity despite adding a fifth support post
Solution Approach 2:
The integral receiver with reinforcing members serves multiple functions: it provides the connection interface for the support post, reinforces the shelf body at the load transfer point, and integrates the strengthening function into the existing shelf structure, eliminating the need for additional separate reinforcement components
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf system includes at least one modular shelf assembly including at least one shelf unit, a plurality of support posts, an adjustable foot, covers, and anchors. The at least one shelf unit, plurality of support posts, adjustable foot, covers, and anchors are, in combination, adapted to create the modular shelf assembly. Each shelf unit is adapted to receive the plurality of support posts, including one support post generally located adjacent a rear side of the shelf unit about half-way between a first and a second end of the shelf unit.