High density foldaway shelving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldaway shelving for vehicles has weight limits that restrict its ability to support heavier items, and there is a need for high density, lightweight, cost-effective, and easy-to-assemble solutions for cargo vans and similar vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A high density foldaway shelving unit with cantilevered floor mounts, pre-assembled shelf mounting assemblies, and gas cylinders for easy assembly and weight distribution, featuring anti-pinch guards and a design that allows for easy mounting between posts, enabling efficient use of space and weight transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional foldaway shelving is used, then the shelving can be folded up out of the way, but the weight limits restrict its ability to support heavier items
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving unit is divided into separate functional components: cantilevered floor mounts for weight bearing, vertical posts for structural support, and foldaway shelves for storage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the floor mounts to handle heavy loads while the shelves remain lightweight and foldable.
Solution Approach 2:
Vertical posts act as intermediaries between the cantilevered floor mounts and the shelves. The posts transfer loads from the shelves to the floor mounts, distributing weight through the vehicle's floor structure rather than relying solely on the shelf material strength, thereby increasing weight support capacity without compromising shelf foldability.
2Strength
If high density shelving is provided, then heavier items can be supported, but the shelving becomes heavier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the weight-bearing function (handled by floor mounts and posts) from the storage function (handled by shelves). This allows the shelves to be lightweight and foldable while the support structure handles the heavy load capacity, achieving high density storage without proportionally increasing overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses simple, standardized components that can be replicated and assembled. The cantilevered floor mounts, posts, and shelf assemblies are modular units that can be configured in various densities without requiring custom heavy-duty materials, maintaining cost-effectiveness and reasonable weight while supporting heavier items.
3Reliability
If complex mounting assemblies are used, then shelves can be securely mounted, but assembly becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf mounting assemblies are pre-assembled at the factory with all necessary brackets, pins, and fasteners pre-positioned and pre-drilled. This preliminary preparation allows the shelves to be quickly installed by simply attaching them to the posts without requiring complex on-site assembly procedures, maintaining both mounting security and assembly ease.
4Ease of operation
If gas cylinders are added to assist raising and lowering, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Gas cylinders provide pneumatic assistance for raising and lowering the shelves. The gas springs are mounted between the shelf mounting assemblies and the shelves, using gas pressure to counterbalance the weight of the shelves and assist users in lifting and lowering them with minimal effort, significantly improving ease of operation.
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 a lightweight, cost-effective, and easy-to-assemble shelving system that can support heavier items while maintaining a high density, addressing the weight limitations of traditional foldaway shelving and enhancing usability in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a gas cylinder is provided to assist in the raising and lowering of the shelf
Data Source
AI summary
The high density foldaway shelving unit of the present invention includes at least one shelf and at least two spaced posts. The shelf is mounted between the posts. A pair of cantilevered floor mounts is mounted to the floor of a vehicle. Each of the posts is mounted to a respective one of the cantilevered floor mounts to transfer weight to the cantilevered floor mounts. A pre-assembled shelf mounting assembly is provided for mounting the shelves to the posts. The pre-assembled shelf mounting assembly has a bracket mounted to the posts, a pivot pin mounted to the shelf and a guide pin for stopping the shelf in the raised and lowered position.