Connector for modular rack assembly
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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 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 in modular racks, then assembly and disassembly become convenient, but the connection stability and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates resiliently biased wings that can dynamically adapt between inserted and retained positions. The wings are biased outward to engage with the well walls during insertion, then automatically spring inward to lock the connector in place, providing both ease of assembly and stable retention without requiring separate locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs self-securing through its resiliently biased wings that automatically engage with the well structure upon insertion. The bumps on the wings self-align with the elongated openings in the shelf supports, and the resilient bias ensures automatic retention without requiring additional fastening steps or tools, thereby maintaining both convenience and stability.
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 rack assembly by providing sufficient stability through the improved connector design alone. The resiliently biased wings with bumps create a secure connection system that renders the back frame unnecessary, thereby reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity while maintaining rack stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing function previously separated into a distinct back frame component is merged into the connector assembly itself. The resiliently biased wings and bumps integrate the locking and stabilizing functions directly into the connection mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate back frame structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional secure connection mechanisms are used, then connection stability improves, but assembly complexity and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly performs self-alignment and self-securing through its geometric design. The elongated openings in the shelf supports guide the bumps on the resiliently biased wings into proper alignment during insertion, and the resilient bias automatically engages the connection without requiring tools or complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby achieving secure connection with simple assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes changes in the physical state of the resiliently biased wings during assembly. The wings transition from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded retained state upon engagement, automatically providing secure connection through material elasticity rather than complex mechanical mechanisms or tools.
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.