Shelf for roll container, a roll container containing such a shelf and a method of retrofitting such a shelf to a roll container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roll container accessory shelves require tools for installation and are not easily adaptable for changing purposes, as they can be lost or not designed for folding, making them impractical for retrofitting without modifications.
Innovation Solution
A folding accessory shelf for roll containers with pivoting and locking mechanisms that allow it to be retrofitted without tools, featuring slide members that envelop the frame profile for sliding attachment and a limiter for vertical positioning, enabling easy conversion between load-carrying and folding configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional accessory shelf is installed in a roll container, then the shelf provides load carrying capacity and divides the inner volume, but the shelf requires tools for installation and cannot be easily retrofitted
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is divided into multiple detachable segments that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each segment connects through simple interlocking mechanisms that require no tools, allowing the shelf to be easily installed, removed, and reconfigured for different purposes within the roll container.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow it to be dynamically reconfigured between different configurations (e.g., folded, extended, repositioned). This dynamic design enables the shelf to adapt to changing storage needs without requiring permanent installation or specialized tools.
2Ease of operation
If a detachable shelf is designed for easy removal, then the shelf can be stored when not in use, but the detachable shelf becomes lost very easily
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable shelf segments are designed to nest within each other or within the roll container structure when not in use. This nesting arrangement keeps all components organized and contained, preventing loss while still allowing easy removal and storage when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf components are designed with integrated connection features that merge the shelf segments with each other and with the roll container structure. This merging ensures that all parts remain associated and cannot be separated or lost, while still allowing the shelf to be easily assembled and disassembled.
3Ease of operation
If a shelf is designed to fold away for storage, then the shelf can be compacted when not in use, but folding shelves require hinges that need tool-based installation
Solution Approach 1:
The folding shelf is segmented into multiple sections connected by simple, tool-free hinge mechanisms. These segmented sections can fold independently, allowing the shelf to be compacted into a small space when not in use while using straightforward connection methods that do not require tools for installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary connection elements that facilitate the folding action without requiring complex hinges. These intermediaries act as simple mechanical mediators that enable folding and compacting while using basic, tool-free attachment methods to the roll container.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a roll container is ordered without accessories for transporting large items, then the container has simple structure and lower cost, but it cannot be easily adapted for collecting small items later
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system is designed with dynamic, adjustable components that can be configured in multiple ways to suit different storage needs. This dynamic design allows the originally simple roll container to be easily adapted for collecting small items by simply assembling and positioning the shelf segments, without permanently altering the container's basic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf is designed as a universal accessory that can serve multiple functions within the roll container. It can be configured to divide the container for small items, removed entirely for large items, or repositioned for different storage configurations, providing multi-functionality that enhances adaptability without adding permanent complexity to the container structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory shelf for a roll container. The shelf includes a pivoting mechanism provided to the first end of the shelf for pivoting the shelf relative to to a frame profile of a first wall of the roll container between a horizontal load carrying configuration and a vertical folding configuration. Included in the shelf is a locking mechanism provided to the second end of the shelf to rest the shelf in a load carrying orientation against a second wall of the roll container. The locking mechanism is configured to engage a horizontal element of the first wall to suspend the shelf from the horizontal element when the shelf is in the vertical folding configuration. The pivoting mechanism includes two slide members that oppose each other at the first end and are shaped to at least partly envelop a vertical section of a frame profile of the first wall of the roll container to slide along corresponding opposing vertical sections of the frame profile The pivoting mechanism also includes an axle connected to at least one slide member extending towards the other hinge member to create an axis of revolution for the shelf. The pivoting mechanism further includes a limiter connected to the axle and rotatable about the axis of revolution relative to at least one slide member and to engage with a horizontal element of the first wall.