Illuminated Shelf Busbar Connection for Fast Shelf Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shelving systems with integrated lighting are cumbersome and time-consuming to change due to the arrangement of power supply connections, particularly when changing floors or adjusting to different rear wall thicknesses.

Innovation Solution

A shelving system design featuring a plug with a spring device that allows easy floor level changes and adaptable mounting on both stands and rear walls, utilizing cable guides and a busbar for secure power supply, enabling flexible placement and contact regardless of rear wall thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed power supply arrangement is used in shelving systems, then structural stability is maintained, but floor changing becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefloor changing easeVSAvoidtime for floor changing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into modular components: a power supply unit with contact pins that can be detached and reattached. This allows the floor to be changed by simply disconnecting and reconnecting the power supply module rather than rewiring the entire system, significantly reducing floor changing time and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply connection transitions from a fixed arrangement to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The contact pins are designed to be movable between connected and disconnected states, enabling quick floor changes while maintaining stable electrical contact when assembled. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between structural stability and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed power supply arrangement is used, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to different rear wall thicknesses is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different rear wall thicknessesVSAvoidpower supply contact reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply unit incorporates spring-loaded contact pins that can adjust their position and contact pressure. This allows the same power supply design to adapt to different rear wall thicknesses while maintaining reliable electrical contact. The spring mechanism compensates for dimensional variations, ensuring consistent performance across different installation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If complex power supply connections are used, then reliable power contact is ensured, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower contact reliabilityVSAvoidpower supply connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply unit integrates multiple functions into a single modular component: electrical contact, mechanical support, and positioning features are combined in one assembly. This reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses, mounting brackets, and alignment mechanisms, while maintaining reliable power contact through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates quick and efficient floor level changes while ensuring consistent power supply for lighting, accommodating various materials and configurations, including different rear wall thicknesses.

Implementation Method 1

The plug 9 has a spring device 12. This has proven to be advantageous since it allows the plug 9 to be used even with rear walls 3 of different thicknesses.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2910851B1Shelf system
Publication Date: 2019.01.16 WANZL METALLWARENFAB GMBH
  • EP2910851B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2910851B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2910851B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a shelving system with uprights (2), a back panel (3), and shelves (4), wherein a power supply is provided for lighting the shelves (4), wherein a contact is established by placing a shelf (4), thereby illuminating the shelf (4), wherein the cable guide (7) is provided below the shelf (4), and wherein a further cable guide (8) is guided on an upright (2) or the back panel (3), and wherein a connector (9) is used between the two cable guides. The invention is characterized in that the cable guide (7) is located below the shelf (4), is provided between an LED strip (6) and the connector (9), that the further cable guide (8) is designed in the form of a busbar (8), and that the connector (9) is locked between the two cable guides (7, 8) in the busbar (8), thereby establishing a contact.