Integrated, modular shelving system

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cat climbing systems face limitations in load capacity and stability due to the lack of rigid interconnected shelves and the requirement to attach brackets to wall studs, restricting design options and angles, especially for wall-mounted systems.

Innovation Solution

A modular shelving system featuring hingable shelf support brackets, attachment disks, and hinge pins that allow shelves to be interconnected at various angles, providing increased stability and load capacity without needing to attach to studs, and can be customized with carpeting and accessories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If shelves are loosely attached to posts to achieve shelf angles, then design flexibility is improved, but load capacity and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidload capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs adjustable shelving positions and angles within a rigid bracket structure. The brackets provide fixed rigid connections to the wall while allowing shelves to be positioned at different heights and angles, combining structural stability with design flexibility for climbing pets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If support plates are screwed to wall studs to achieve stability, then load bearing capacity is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload bearing capacityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the requirement for stud mounting by using wall anchors that attach directly to drywall or plaster walls. This removes the need to locate and attach to wooden studs, simplifying installation while maintaining sufficient load capacity through proper anchor selection and distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses wall anchors as intermediary elements that transfer loads from the shelf brackets through the wall surface to the wall structure. These anchors provide a reliable mounting solution without requiring direct access to studs, facilitating easier installation on standard walls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If rigid shelves are interconnected via rigid connections to hinged brackets, then load distribution across interconnected shelves is improved, but the ability to join rigid shelves together deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload distributionVSAvoidrigid connection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10881200B2Integrated, modular shelving system

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 FELDMAN AARON JOSEPH

AI summary

A modular shelving system with a series of shelves, shelf-support brackets, bracket attachment disks, and hinge-pins. The support brackets are hingable. The support disks each include a series of apertures for allowing the disk to be fastened to a wall or stud. The shelf support brackets include shelf-receiving slots. The hinge-pin is threaded to be screwed into the bracket-receiving disks. The shelves are inserted into the shelf-receiving slots in the shelf-support brackets to create a custom multipurpose shelf design, including for climbing animals such as cats.