Magnetic Fastenerless Shelf for Wall Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shelves are difficult to move and reposition due to their secure attachment to walls with fasteners, requiring removal and reattachment, which complicates rearrangement and can damage the wall.

Innovation Solution

A shelf design that uses magnets to attach to a wall without fasteners, featuring a first magnet embedded in the shelf to interact with a battery-operated candle and a second magnet embedded in the wall portion to interact with wall fasteners, allowing for magnetic coupling and easy repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If shelves are secured to the wall with fasteners, then the shelf is firmly attached and stable, but the shelf becomes difficult to move and reposition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidrepositioning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical fastening system (screws, nails, brackets) with a magnetic field-based attachment system. Magnets embedded in the shelf and corresponding magnetic elements in the wall create a non-mechanical attachment that provides firm holding force while allowing easy repositioning by simply moving the shelf to a new location where the magnetic field can re-engage with the wall elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If conventional fasteners are used to attach the shelf, then the shelf is securely fixed, but wall damage occurs during removal and reattachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidwall damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic attachment system eliminates the need for mechanical fasteners that penetrate or damage the wall surface. The magnetic field provides sufficient attachment strength to hold the shelf securely while allowing removal and repositioning without leaving holes, scars, or other damage to the wall, as no physical penetration is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the shelf and the wall, providing the attachment function without direct mechanical contact that would cause damage. The magnetic force transmits the holding strength through the wall surface material without requiring penetration or permanent attachment points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the shelf is designed for easy repositioning without fasteners, then rearrangement is simple, but the attachment reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidattachment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic attachment system maintains high attachment reliability by using strong permanent magnets with sufficient holding force to support the shelf and its contents. The magnetic field provides consistent and reliable attachment across multiple repositioning operations, eliminating the wear and degradation that occurs with mechanical fasteners while maintaining full repositioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 shelves to be removably and magnetically attached to walls at various locations, allowing for easy rearrangement without damaging the wall, and supports the weight of the shelf and objects placed on it.

Implementation Method 1

a first magnet at least partially embedded within the shelf portion, the first magnet configured to magnetically interact with a battery of the candle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a second magnet at least partially embedded within the wall portion and configured to interact with a fastener behind the surface of the wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11796169B2Fastenerless shelves

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 BERNSEN COLLIN D

AI summary

A shelf for mounting to a wall without fasteners and for magnetically holding a candle comprises a shelf portion comprising a substantially planar upper surface configured for holding a candle, a first magnet at least partially embedded within the shelf portion, the first magnet configured to magnetically interact with a battery of the candle, a wall portion coupled to the shelf portion, the wall portion comprising a substantially planar surface configured for contacting a surface of a wall, and a second magnet at least partially embedded within the wall portion and configured to interact with a fastener behind the surface of the wall. Related candle holders and systems including fastenerless shelves for holding one or more candles are also disclosed.