Modular Shelving Fixing Plate Design for Tray Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular shelving systems suffer from stability issues due to the modular composition and openings in tray corners, which facilitate stacking but increase instability once assembled.

Innovation Solution

The use of quadrangular fixing plates with 90-degree sectors and holes that align with tray and bar holes, secured by screws to enhance stability by covering the tray openings and attaching to both the tray and shelving bars.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If trays with corner openings are used for stacking and distribution, then ease of assembly and storage is improved, but stability of the shelving deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstability of shelving

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A fixing plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the tray and the shelving bar. The plate covers the corner opening of the tray and provides holes for screws to attach to both the tray and the bar, thereby mediating the connection while maintaining both ease of assembly and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing plate is divided into two functional sectors: a first sector that covers the tray opening and a second sector that provides attachment holes. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function - the covering function and the fastening function - simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If fixing plates with two sectors are used to cover tray openings, then stability of the shelving is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of shelvingVSAvoidcomplexity of fixing plate

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single fixing plate component. The plate simultaneously covers the tray opening, provides structural reinforcement, and enables screw attachment to both the tray and the shelving bar, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing plate is designed as a multi-functional element that performs multiple roles: it acts as a cover for the tray opening, a reinforcement plate for structural integrity, and a mounting plate for screw attachment. This universality reduces overall system complexity despite the increased functionality of individual components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11627800B2Modular shelving

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 AR SHELVING SA

AI summary

Quadrangular shelving comprising four bars with sets of four first pairs of holes, wherein the location of said sets defines different heights of the shelving for establishing the quadrangular trays, a set of quadrangular trays, wherein each tray comprises four corners and wherein each corner forms an opening and comprises a second pair of holes, the shelving comprises for each tray of the set of quadrangular trays: four plates, a pair of screws adapted to screw each plate and wherein the plate covers the opening.