Modular Shelf Assembly Kit with U-Profile Hanging for System Shelves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf systems face challenges in being both space-efficient for packaging and shipping, while also being easy to manufacture and assemble, with a need for secure and stable connection to vertical posts without additional connection means.
Innovation Solution
A shelf kit composed of U-profiles and crossbars, where the longitudinal strips have passage openings for crossbar insertion, allowing secure hanging in horizontal struts of a shelving system, with optional stop walls for assembly assistance and varying passage openings for customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional shelf systems are used, then connection strength to vertical posts is achieved, but packaging space efficiency and assembly ease deteriorate due to additional connection means
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the additional connection means from the shelf system. The shelf kit consists only of longitudinal strips and crossbars, with the longitudinal strips hanging directly into the horizontal struts of the system shelf, removing the need for separate connection components while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal strips serve multiple functions: they form the shelf structure, provide connection to the system shelf through hanging engagement with horizontal struts, and offer stabilization without requiring additional connection means. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system while maintaining strength.
2Ease of operation
If shelf components are designed for easy assembly, then assembly time is reduced, but structural strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is segmented into simple longitudinal strips and crossbars that can be easily assembled by inserting crossbars into recesses of the U-profiles. This segmentation maintains ease of assembly while the U-profile design provides inherent structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal strips are designed as U-profiles that nest onto the horizontal struts of the system shelf, creating a secure fit. The crossbars insert into recesses of the U-profiles, creating a nested structure that is both easy to assemble and structurally sound.
3Ease of operation
If passage openings are added to longitudinal strips, then crossbar insertion ease is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passage openings are integrated directly into the U-profile longitudinal strips during manufacturing. This merging of the passage opening feature with the basic profile structure allows for easy crossbar insertion while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes through techniques like punching or forming.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a shelf assembly kit, in particular for system shelves with vertical posts and horizontal struts connecting the posts, comprising two longitudinal slats and one or more transverse slats, which can be anchored at their two ends to one of the two longitudinal slats and, in the assembled state, span the shelf, wherein the longitudinal slats comprise at least a section of a U-profile with a first profile leg, a second profile leg and a base connecting the profile legs, and wherein at least one opening for inserting the end of a transverse slat is provided in each first U-profile leg.