Merchandiser Shelf Skeleton Structure for Higher Load Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelves in merchandisers rely heavily on the cross-sectional area of lateral support members for weight-bearing capacity, which limits their load-carrying ability, and the spacing of support brackets is often fixed, not accommodating varying product weights effectively.
Innovation Solution
A shelf design featuring a skeleton structure with end brackets, internal brackets, and a rear bracket that provides additional structural support by extending between end brackets and transferring load forces efficiently, while allowing for adjustable positioning and enhanced rigidity through a sandwiched skin structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy gauge steel support brackets and large cross-sectional area lateral support members are used, then the load-carrying capacity of the shelf is improved, but the weight and complexity of the shelf structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf skeleton is divided into multiple functional brackets: end brackets for attachment to standards, an internal bracket for central support, and a front bracket for additional rigidity. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and use lighter gauge material while maintaining overall strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal bracket extends forward from the rear ends of end brackets toward the front of the shelf, creating a three-dimensional bracing structure. This spatial arrangement provides load paths in multiple directions, increasing stiffness without requiring heavier materials.
2Strength
If the cross-sectional area of lateral support members is increased, then the weight support capability is improved, but the device complexity and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one or two heavy lateral support members, the structure uses multiple smaller bracket elements distributed throughout the shelf span. The internal bracket and front bracket work together to provide lateral support, distributing the structural function across multiple simpler components.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal bracket creates a triangular bracing configuration with the end brackets, forming a rigid spatial structure. This three-dimensional arrangement provides lateral stability without requiring large cross-sectional areas in any single member.
3Device complexity
If support brackets are spaced apart by a fixed predefined distance, then the shelf structure is simplified, but the adaptability to different product weights and shelf configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf skeleton structure is designed to accommodate variable spacing between support elements. The internal bracket can be positioned at different locations along the shelf span, and the front bracket provides additional support points that can be adjusted based on load requirements, enabling the same basic structure to adapt to different configuration needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf for a merchandiser. The shelf includes a skin that defines a support surface of the shelf, and a skeleton structure to which the skin is attached. The skeleton structure includes a first end bracket and a second end bracket that is spaced from and disposed opposite the first end bracket. The skeleton structure further includes an internal bracket that has a first end coupled to the first end bracket adjacent a rear end of the first end bracket, and a second end coupled to the second end bracket adjacent a rear end of the second end bracket. The internal bracket extends forward from the respective rear ends toward a front of the shelf.