Adjustable Shelving Assembly With Magnetic Locking Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators require users to remove and re-slot shelves to adjust their height, which is inconvenient and limits flexibility in compartmentalizing space.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable shelving assembly featuring support rails with geared racks and an actuating mechanism using permanent magnets and ferromagnetic disks to lock or unlock shelves, allowing for easy height adjustment without removing items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shelves are installed in fixed slots on the inner cabin, then the shelf structure is simple and stable, but the user cannot adjust the shelf height to any desired location
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving assembly transitions from a static fixed-slot design to a dynamic adjustable design. The shelf can be moved between multiple positions along the support rail, and the magnetic locking mechanism allows the shelf to be held securely at any desired height, not just predetermined slots. This dynamic capability enables continuous height adjustment while maintaining structural stability through magnetic engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical slot-and-rail engagement with a magnetic field-based locking system. Instead of requiring precise mechanical alignment with fixed slots, the ferromagnetic disk on the shelf interacts with the magnet assembly on the support rail to create a secure magnetic lock. This substitution simplifies the adjustment process and allows for continuous position variation rather than discrete slot positions.
2Ease of operation
If the user removes entities from the shelf to re-slot it, then the shelf can be repositioned, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically when the shelf is positioned near the support rail, eliminating the need for manual removal and reinstallation of entities. The user simply needs to move the shelf to the desired position, and the magnetic field will secure it in place, allowing for quick and easy adjustment without preliminary actions of removing stored items.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelving assembly performs the locking function automatically through magnetic attraction. When the shelf approaches the support rail at the desired height, the ferromagnetic disk and magnet assembly create a self-securing connection without requiring user intervention to manually lock or secure the shelf. This self-service mechanism significantly reduces the time and effort required for shelf adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple slots are provided at specific heights, then the shelf can be positioned at predetermined locations, but the user cannot move the shelf to any desired location
Solution Approach 1:
The support rail incorporates a continuous magnetic field interaction system rather than discrete mechanical slots. The magnet assembly on the support rail works in conjunction with the ferromagnetic disk on the shelf to enable continuous position adjustment along the rail length, transforming the system from static predetermined positions to dynamic continuous positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical slot structure with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Instead of requiring physical slots at specific heights, the magnetic attraction between the magnet assembly and ferromagnetic disk provides secure engagement at any position along the support rail, enabling continuous height adjustment while simplifying the overall rail structure.
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 users to adjust shelf height seamlessly and position shelves at any desired location, enhancing usability and versatility in storage units.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of permanent magnets mounted coaxially inside the pinion, ferromagnetic disks provided on either ends of the pinion, and a shaft placed axially in the pinion, connecting the permanent magnets, such that the permanent magnets magnetizes or demagnetizes the ferromagnetic disks when the shaft is rotated for locking or unlocking the at least one shelf
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable shelving assembly includes at least two support rails, at least one geared rack provided in each of the at least two support rails, and an actuating mechanism placed adjacent to the at least one geared rack. The actuating mechanism is configured to support at least one shelf and facilitates movement of the at least one shelf along the at least two support rails. The actuating mechanism includes a pinion mating with the at least one geared rack, a plurality of permanent magnets mounted coaxially inside the pinion, ferromagnetic disks provided on either ends of the pinion, and a shaft placed axially in the pinion, connecting the permanent magnets. The permanent magnets magnetize or demagnetize the ferromagnetic disks when the shaft is rotated for locking or unlocking the at least one shelf.