Shelf rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf racks lack versatility in configuration, requiring reassembly or separation of components to achieve different heights and lengths, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The design of stackable shelf units with interchangeable frames and shelves that can be assembled toollessly by inverting one unit, allowing for side-by-side or stacked configurations without recombining components, using press-fit connections between tapered and untapered sections of tubular members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shelf racks are designed as modular components that can be assembled in various positions and heights, then versatility in configuration is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring reassembly or separation of components
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf rack is divided into modular shelf units that can be independently assembled and stacked. Each unit contains complete functional elements (frames, shelves, feet) that can be assembled separately and then combined through vertical stacking, eliminating the need for complex reassembly of internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf units are designed to be stacked by inverting one unit and placing it atop another. The feet of the upper unit engage with the top edges of the lower unit's frames in an inverted orientation, enabling straightforward vertical stacking without requiring disassembly or reconfiguration of the shelf components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shelf racks require reassembly or separation of components to achieve different heights and lengths, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to the reassembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf units are pre-assembled as complete functional modules during manufacturing, with all necessary components (frames, shelves, connectors) already configured. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for end-users to perform time-consuming reassembly operations when adjusting rack height or length configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
By designing the stacking interface to work in inverted orientation, the system enables rapid height adjustment through simple vertical stacking rather than complex reassembly. The upper unit is inverted and placed directly onto the lower unit, achieving height adjustment in minimal time without disassembling shelf components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If identical shelf units are designed to stack both vertically and side-by-side, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper mating of connection interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interfaces are designed with asymmetric geometry where the feet have a specific tapered shape that complements the top edge receptacles. This asymmetric design provides self-aligning and self-centering characteristics during stacking, reducing the tolerance requirements compared to symmetric circular or square interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The feet are designed with a tapered parameter profile rather than a uniform diameter, transitioning from a larger diameter at the base to a smaller diameter at the top. This parameter change creates a conical friction-fit interface that accommodates reasonable manufacturing variations while ensuring secure connection between stacked units.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf rack includes first and second identical shelf units each including a first frame with first and second legs having respective first and second feet, a second frame with third and fourth legs having respective third and fourth feet and at least one shelf. The second and fourth feet have an outer diameter that is less than an outer diameter of the first and third feet. The second shelf unit is inverted and the first and second frames of the first shelf unit toollessly assemble to the first and second frames, respectively, of the second shelf unit by mating the larger outer diameter feet of the first shelf unit with the smaller outer diameter feet of the second shelf unit and mating the larger outer diameter feet of the second shelf unit with the smaller outer diameter feet of the first shelf unit.