Folding Roll Container Shelf With Tool-Free Retrofit Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessory shelves for roll containers require tools for installation and are not easily retrofittable or foldable, making them inconvenient for adapting to changing use scenarios without modifying the container.
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 horizontal load carrying and vertical folding configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional accessory shelves are installed in roll containers, then the shelf provides load carrying division and protection, but the installation requires tools and modification of the container
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is divided into multiple segments that can be independently assembled and attached to the roll container walls, allowing tool-free installation while maintaining structural stability through modular connection points
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf structure incorporates nested components where support elements are integrated within the main shelf body, enabling compact storage when folded and stable configuration when deployed, without requiring external tools for assembly
2Reliability
If non-folding shelves are used for dividing roll container volume, then the shelf provides stable load carrying support, but the shelf cannot be stored when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed with dynamic folding capabilities that allow it to transition between horizontal load-carrying configuration and vertical storage configuration, maintaining stability when deployed while enabling compact storage when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf can be easily detached and stored in a compact folded state when not needed, and quickly reinstalled when required, allowing the roll container to adapt to different usage scenarios without permanent modifications
3Adaptability or versatility
If a shelf is retrofitted to a roll container for changing use scenarios, then the container becomes versatile for different tasks, but the installation requires tools and container modification
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf design incorporates universal attachment features that can be installed on various roll container types without modification, using standardized connection points that work across different container configurations and sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf includes self-aligning and self-locking mechanisms that guide installation without requiring tools or technical expertise, allowing users to easily retrofit the shelf themselves for changing storage needs
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an accessory shelf for a roll container which may be readily retrofitted without the use of tools nor modification of the roll container in any way. The novel shelf (200) has a first end (210) with pivoting means for pivoting the shelf (200) to the frame profile (111) of the first wall (110) of the roll container (100) between a horizontal load carrying configuration and a vertical folding configuration. The pivoting means include two opposing slide members (211) which are configured to slide along corresponding opposing vertical sections of the frame profile (111) of the first wall (110). The pivoting means also include an axle (213) which is arranged to at least one of said hinge members (211) to extend towards the other hinge member such to create an axis of revolution for the shelf (200). The pivoting means further include a limiter (212) which is arranged to the axle (213) and configured to be rotated about said axis of revolution in respect to said at least one slide member (211) and to engage with a horizontal element (133) of the first wall (110) for locking the shelf (200) vertically into the load carrying configuration. A a second end of the shelf (Detail B) comprises locking means for locking the shelf (200) to the opposing second wall (120) in the load carrying orientation or to the first wall (110) in the folding orientation.