Foldable Shelving Linkage for Stable Deployment and Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable shelving solutions lack a robust and efficient mechanism for transitioning between deployed and compacted positions, which affects their stability and ease of use in storing and transporting.
Innovation Solution
A foldable shelving unit comprising first and second supports, at least one shelf, and connecting members that pivot between distal and proximal configurations, allowing for easy deployment and compaction, with the method involving pivoting the shelf and connecting members to configure the supports in a distal or proximal arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the shelving unit is designed to be foldable for easy storage and transport, then the volume and ease of transport are improved, but the stability and structural integrity during deployment may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving unit employs dynamic connecting members that can pivot between extended and retracted positions, allowing the structure to transition from a stable deployed state to a compact stored state. The connecting members include pivot joints at multiple points (first end connected to shelf, second end connected to support) that enable controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity during transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelving unit is divided into discrete modular components including supports, shelves, and connecting members that can independently move relative to each other. The connecting members are segmented with pivot points that allow individual sections to fold independently, enabling the entire unit to collapse into a compact configuration while maintaining stability when deployed.
2Ease of operation
If the shelving unit uses a simple foldable mechanism, then the ease of operation and manufacturing are improved, but the reliability and stability under load may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting members are designed with pivot joints that provide dynamic movement capability while maintaining structural stability when loaded. The pivot joints allow the connecting members to pivot smoothly between extended and retracted positions during deployment, yet when extended and supporting load, the joints maintain rigid connection between shelves and supports.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting members combine multiple functions into a single component: they provide structural support, enable foldable movement, and connect different parts of the shelving unit. By merging the support function with the connecting function in a single pivoting member, the design achieves both ease of operation and reliability under load.
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 solution provides enhanced stability during deployment, facilitates easy storage and transport by compacting the unit, and maintains structural integrity under load, while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
each one of the first ends being pivotally mountable to the at least one shelf between the end portions, and each one of the second ends being pivotally mountable to the second support
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable shelving unit, its components, and a method for deploying and compacting same are described herein. The shelving unit includes first and second supports which are typically panels, and which help to support against the loads generated by the objects being stored. The shelving unit also includes shelf(ves) which has(ve) one pivotally engaged end, and one free end. The shelving unit also includes connecting members (e.g. arms) which connect the shelf(ves) to the supports, and allow the shelf(ves) to pivot about the supports. The shelving unit operates between a deployed position, where the shelf(ves) extends between the supports so as to support objects, and a compacted position, where the shelf(ves) is(are) rotated so as to bring the supports close to one another, thereby compacting the shelving unit. A corresponding method for deploying and compacting such a shelving unit is also described.