Folding Shelf Structure With Retractable Locking Side Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelves are difficult to assemble, store, and transport due to their complex components and inability to fold, making them inconvenient for users and wholesalers.
Innovation Solution
A folding shelf design featuring pivotally connected shelving units with retractable control units and locking mechanisms, allowing the shelf to be compactly folded and configured by flipping one unit on top of the other, using screws, nuts, or Velcro for secure alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional shelf components (tubes, rods, screws, connectors) are separately packaged for storage and transportation, then storage and transportation convenience is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple separate components (tubes, rods, connectors) into a unified pre-assembled shelf structure. The side frames are pre-connected with shelves and support units, transforming separately packaged components into a single integrated unit that requires minimal assembly at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf structure is pre-assembled and pre-configured before delivery. The side frames, shelves, and support units are connected in advance, and the retractable control units are pre-installed, so that the user only needs to perform final assembly steps (connecting the two main units) rather than assembling all components from scratch.
2Reliability
If conventional shelves are designed for stability and strength, then structural reliability is improved, but the ability to fold and minimize size for storage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces retractable control units with poles and locking members that enable the shelf structure to transition between extended (stable) and retracted (compact) states. The support units can be moved between extended and retracted positions, allowing the shelf to maintain structural integrity during use while minimizing volume during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable control units are designed with nested components where the poles can be inserted into and retracted from the main body structures. The support units nest within the side frames when retracted, allowing the entire shelf to collapse into a compact configuration that fits within a fraction of its expanded volume.
3Strength
If the shelf structure is made rigid and fixed for stability, then structural strength is improved, but ease of configuration change and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs retractable control units with locking mechanisms that allow the shelf configuration to be dynamically adjusted. The locking members can engage or disengage from the poles, enabling the user to extend or retract the support units and control units as needed, providing multiple configuration options while maintaining structural strength when locked in position.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for shelf construction, then adaptability and configuration options are improved, but assembly time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components into pre-assembled units (side frames with integrated shelves and support units) that can be quickly connected together. This reduces the number of individual assembly steps required while preserving the ability to configure the shelf in different arrangements by connecting the main units in various orientations.
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
Enables easy assembly, storage, and transportation by minimizing the shelf's size through folding, providing users with flexible configuration options based on space and preference.
Implementation Method 1
a locking member (43). The locking member (43) is configured to lock the main body (41) and the pole (42)
Implementation Method 2
both sides of the first shelving board (15) can be pivotally connected to predetermined portions of the first side frames (11)
Data Source
AI summary
A folding shelf may include a first shelving unit having first side frames, one or more shelving boards, a first retractable control unit; and a second shelving unit having second side frames, one or more second shelving boards, a second retractable control unit. The first/second retractable control unit may include a first/second main body; a first/second pole partially received in the first main body; and a first/second locking member. When the folding shelf is folded, the user can first twist a first/second locking element to untightened first/second main body and first/second pole. The user can then lift the side frames in the center portion as to collapse the shelf. More specifically, the sliding movement of the first pole and the second pole can bring two side frames toward the center portion of the folding shelf to significantly minimize the size thereof.