Shelf module unit having side wall perforated plates and connecting structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional shelf systems are inflexible, wasteful of space, and complex to assemble, especially when dealing with variable goods storage needs, and are heavy and material-intensive, making them unsuitable for industrial and vehicle applications.

Innovation Solution

A modular shelf system composed of perforated plates connected by variable-length profiles, allowing for customizable and lightweight configurations with high stability, enabling efficient use of space and easy assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional vertical uprights and horizontal shelves are used to construct shelving units, then the shelves can support heavy loads, but the system becomes complicated to assemble and requires considerable material thickness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload support capabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelving unit is divided into modular components: perforated side panels with integrated uprights, shelf supports, and shelves. Each component is standardized with hole patterns that allow flexible assembly without complex fastening operations. The perforated side panels integrate multiple functions (side wall, upright, and connection points) into single segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The perforated side panels serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as side walls, provide uprights for shelf support, and offer multiple connection points for assembling different configurations. The standardized hole pattern enables the same component to be used in various positions and orientations, simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional shelving units with four vertical uprights are used, then the structure provides stability, but it wastes space when goods vary greatly in size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstorage volume efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shelving unit configuration is made dynamic and adaptable through the perforated side panels with multiple hole patterns. Users can adjust the position of shelf supports and modify the structure to match the actual size and shape of stored goods, optimizing storage volume efficiency while maintaining stability through selective use of connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing of structural parameters (number of uprights, their positions, shelf heights) by utilizing different hole patterns in the perforated side panels. This enables the shelving unit to be reconfigured for different storage needs, improving volume efficiency without compromising stability through the standardized connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If reinforcing elements such as stiffening plates or stiffening angles are added to support heavy loads, then the load capacity increases, but the device complexity and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stiffening angles are integrated directly into the shelf support components, merging the reinforcement function with the shelf mounting function. The perforated side panels also incorporate stiffening elements in their design, combining structural reinforcement with the primary side wall function, thereby supporting heavy loads without adding separate reinforcing elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Stability of the object's composition

If a box structure with five-sided closed system using side panels is used in vehicle outfitting, then the structure provides enclosure, but it involves a lot of material and considerable weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural enclosureVSAvoidvehicle shelving weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The side panels are designed as thin perforated metal sheets that provide sufficient structural enclosure and stability when properly connected. The perforations reduce material usage and weight while maintaining adequate stiffness through the hole pattern design and connection to shelf supports, making the vehicle shelving system lighter compared to conventional solid panel box structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3657984B1Shelf module unit having side wall perforated plates and connecting structure
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 ADOLF WURTH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3657984B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3657984B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3657984B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a shelf module unit (100) which comprises opposing perforated plates (102) as side walls, at least one connecting structure (104) extending perpendicularly to the side walls and having end regions (106) for connecting the perforated plates (102), and coupling structures (118, 120) for coupling the shelf module unit (100) with a similar shelf module unit (100).