Modular Rack Connector Assembly for Tool-Free Stable Connection
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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 featuring connecting assemblies with 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 in modular racks, then assembly and disassembly are simple, but the connection stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional components: a body portion inserted into the support frame, resilient wings that expand to engage with the frame, and a securing mechanism with bumps and grooves. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to achieve both easy assembly and stable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates resilient wings that can dynamically adjust their state. During assembly, the wings are compressed to allow insertion, then automatically expand to engage with the support frame structure, providing stable connection without requiring tools. This dynamic behavior enables simple assembly while ensuring connection stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a back frame is added to increase rack stability, then connection stability improves, but material usage and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the back frame component from the rack structure. Instead of using a separate back frame for stability, the connector itself is designed to provide all necessary stabilizing functions through its resilient wings and securing mechanism, reducing material usage while maintaining rack stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary connection between shelf and support frame, ensures connection stability through its resilient engagement mechanism, and eliminates the need for additional stabilizing structures like back frames. This multi-functionality reduces overall material usage while maintaining rack stability.
3Strength
If traditional securement mechanisms are used, then connection strength is sufficient, but assembly requires tools and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs self-service mechanisms where the resilient wings automatically engage with the support frame structure upon insertion, and the bumps on the wings automatically align with and engage grooves in the frame. This self-securing mechanism provides strong connections without requiring tools or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes changes in physical parameters, specifically the elasticity and resilience of the wing material. By selecting materials with appropriate mechanical properties, the connector can transition from a compressed state during assembly to an expanded state during operation, providing strong connection strength while maintaining simple assembly through elastic deformation rather than mechanical fastening.
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 hook having an opening extending therethrough... 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.