Frame construction for a rack system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shelving system frame constructions are not easily assembled with specified equidistant heights for horizontal traverses, lacking a straightforward method to achieve consistent and adjustable configurations.

Innovation Solution

A frame construction using column and traverse hollow profiles combined with special traverse connectors, including a perforated grid strip housed in the hollow column profile, allowing traverses to be positioned at defined height intervals with a detachable and adjustable connection system, and optionally incorporating LED lighting for ambient illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional frame constructions are used, then structural stability is achieved, but assembly ease and adjustment flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidconnection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame construction is divided into modular components: hollow column profiles, hollow traverse profiles, and separate connector elements. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled through simple insertion and clipping operations, greatly improving assembly ease while maintaining structural integrity through the standardized modular interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Special connectors serve as intermediary elements between the hollow column profiles and hollow traverse profiles. These connectors simplify the connection process by providing a standardized interface that requires only insertion and clipping actions, eliminating the need for complex fastening mechanisms while ensuring stable structural connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed connection methods are used, then structural stability is improved, but adjustability and reconfigurability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration adjustabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system incorporates both fixed and quick-release characteristics. The connectors can be easily inserted and removed from the hollow profiles, allowing the frame configuration to be dynamically adjusted. Once assembled, the connections provide stable fixed support for structural reliability, but can be quickly reconfigured when needed, achieving both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized hollow profiles and connectors serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable easy assembly, allow configuration adjustment, and facilitate disassembly and reconfiguration. This multi-functionality allows the same basic components to serve both as stable fixed connections and as adjustable elements, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Illumination intensity

If perforated grid strips are made opaque, then structural strength is improved, but ambient lighting capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveambient lightingVSAvoidgrid strip strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The perforated grid strips are made from translucent material that allows light to pass through while maintaining sufficient structural strength. This translucent property enables the LED strips mounted on the rear to provide ambient lighting through the grid strips, while the material itself provides the necessary structural support for the frame construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 and adjustment of shelving systems with equidistant traverse heights, providing a stable and customizable framework while offering ambient lighting through translucent perforated grid strips.

Implementation Method 1

an LED strip being arranged on the rear of the perforated grid strips

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The light emitted by the LEDs of the LED strip can shine through the translucent perforated grid strips

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTranslucency:

Data Source

PatentEP3614885B1Frame construction for a rack system
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 ANTON SCHNEIDER GMBH
  • EP3614885B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3614885B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~3b
  • EP3614885B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a frame construction (1), in particular for a rack system, which frame construction comprises two vertical columns (2) each in the form of a rectangular hollow profiled column element (10) having a longitudinal groove (11), the two groove legs (12) of which lying opposite each other each have two longitudinal ribs (13), between which a hole pattern strip (60) is inserted into the hollow profiled column element (10), and a plurality of horizontal crossbeams (31, 32, 33), which are fastened to the two columns (2) and which are each in the form of a rectangular hollow profiled crossbeam element (20), a crossbeam connector (30) being fastened to the ends of each hollow profiled crossbeam element, each crossbeam connector (30) engaging in one of the holes (61) of the hole pattern strip (60) by means of at least one pin (42).