Modular Rack Connector Assembly for Stable Tool-Free Shelving
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe racks are inflexible and lack stability due to insecure connectors, requiring additional back frames that increase material and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular rack design with connecting assemblies featuring hooks and connectors that provide secure, tool-free assembly and disassembly, eliminating the need for a back frame by using resiliently biased wings and bumps for stable shelf support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional connectors are used to assemble modular racks, then assembly and disassembly become convenient, but the connection stability and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a insertion portion that engages with the shelf, a body portion that fits into the support frame, and resilient wings that provide securing force. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while working together to achieve both ease of assembly and stable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates resilient (flexible) wings that can dynamically adjust during assembly and operation. These wings are biased to engage with the support frame, providing automatic securing force that maintains connection stability while allowing for easy insertion and removal when force is applied.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a back frame is added to increase rack stability, then connection security improves, but material usage and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the back frame component from the traditional rack design. Instead of adding a back frame for stability, the solution removes this unnecessary element and achieves stability through the improved connector design that directly secures shelves to support frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs the dual function of both joining the shelf to the support frame and providing the stabilizing effect that would otherwise require a back frame. The resilient wings automatically engage and secure the connection, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional stabilizing structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixed-shaped racks are manufactured, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is segmented into standardized, interchangeable components: support frames, shelves, and connectors. Each component is manufactured independently using simple processes, but their combination enables flexible configuration of racks in various shapes and sizes to suit different spaces and needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design is universal and can be used to attach shelves to support frames in multiple configurations and orientations. This single connector type serves multiple functions and enables the creation of various rack arrangements, providing adaptability without requiring complex manufacturing of different connector types.
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 flexible shape configuration and reduced material usage, lowering manufacturing and shipping costs while ensuring stable assembly and disassembly without tools.
Implementation Method 1
Each wing resiliently biased against an inner wall of the well to secure the connector inside the well
Implementation Method 2
each wing has a bump positioned in the center of the inner surface of each wing that faces the space. Each hook is inserted through the elongated opening of a corresponding connector with the bump on each wing fitted inside the opening of the hook to retain the hook inside the body of the connector
Data Source
AI summary
A rack assembly has two support frames and at least one shelf that are secured to the support frames by connecting assemblies. Each connecting assembly comprises a well secured to a medial surface of each vertical tube of the support frame, and a hook that extends from each end of each shelf, with each hook having an opening extending therethrough. The connecting assembly also includes a connector that is seated inside each well, each connector having a top plate that has an elongated opening, the connector also having a body that is sized and configured to fit inside a well, the body defining two wings with a space between the wings, and wherein each wing has a bump positioned in the center of the inner surface of each wing that faces the space. Each hook is inserted through the elongated opening of a corresponding connector with the bump on each wing fitted inside the opening of the hook to retain the hook inside the body of the connector.