Modular Cat Shelving with Hingable Brackets for Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cat climbing systems do not allow for the flexible adjustment of shelves and ramps to various angles without additional materials and expense, and they often compromise the aesthetics of the room, failing to accommodate the connection of two rigid shelves in a hinged fashion.
Innovation Solution
A modular shelving system comprising hingable shelf support brackets, attachment disks with radially disposed apertures for wall fastening, and hinge pins with a threaded distal end, enabling adjustable angles and easy customization, along with carpet-covered surfaces and attachment options for toys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid shelves are connected using traditional post-and-support-plate methods, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the post and support plate into a single integrated bracket assembly. The bracket directly mounts to the wall and provides both support and positioning functions, eliminating the need for separate support plates and reducing the number of components required for stable shelf connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables angular adjustment, and allows for easy shelf attachment/detachment. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If shelves are fixed at predetermined angles, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to various wall arrangements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates a movable joint mechanism that allows the shelf to be adjusted to various angles relative to the wall. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same precisely-manufactured bracket to adapt to different wall arrangements and user preferences without compromising manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows change in the angular parameter of shelf installation. The bracket design enables continuous or discrete adjustment of the shelf angle, transforming a fixed-parameter system into a variable-parameter system that maintains precision while gaining adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional support plates and hardware are used to attach shelves to walls, then structural stability is improved, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the support function and mounting function into a single bracket design, the patent reduces the number of visible components on the wall. The bracket itself is designed to be aesthetically pleasing, eliminating the need for additional utilitarian support plates that would compromise appearance.
4Manufacturing precision
If shelves are designed as fixed rigid structures, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of customization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket's adjustable joint allows shelves to be repositioned to different angles and positions after installation. This dynamic capability enables easy customization of the shelving system configuration while the shelves themselves maintain their precise rigid structure for manufacturing consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular shelving system with a series of shelves, shelf-support brackets, bracket attachment disks, and hinge-pins. The support brackets are hingable. The support disks each include a series of radially disposed apertures and additional apertures for allowing the disk to be fastened to a wall or stud. The shelf support brackets include shelf-receiving slots and a post extending from the bracket that can be inserted into one of the radially disposed apertures. The hinge-pin is threaded to be screwed into the bracket-receiving disks. The shelves are inserted into the shelf-receiving slots in the shelf-support brackets to create a custom climbing shelf design for climbing animals such as cats.