Modular structure for shelving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular shelving structures lack flexibility to adapt to different spaces and environments, particularly failing to provide stable angular configurations and sufficient capacity and stability, especially when compared to traditional structures.

Innovation Solution

A modular shelving system featuring vertical uprights with interlocking teeth and clamping elements, combined with bracing elements and angular brackets, allows for adjustable configurations, increased stability, and enhanced capacity, enabling the creation of angular and dynamically movable shelving units with higher modularity and load-bearing capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional modular shelving structures use vertical uprights with teeth and longitudinal cross-pieces with clamping elements, then assembly stability is achieved, but adaptability to different spaces and angular configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different spaces and angular configurationsVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelving structure is divided into modular components (vertical uprights, longitudinal cross-pieces, transverse cross-pieces) that can be independently assembled and configured. Each module maintains standardization while allowing flexible combination to create different spatial arrangements including angular configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping elements are designed to engage with teeth on both vertical uprights and longitudinal cross-pieces, creating a universal connection system. This multi-functional clamping mechanism allows the same component to serve multiple structural roles and enable various configurations including angular arrangements.

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

2Strength

If the number of vertical uprights and cross-pieces is increased to enhance capacity and stability, then load-bearing capability improves, but the structure becomes less flexible and more difficult to reconfigure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capability and stabilityVSAvoidflexibility for reconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shelving structure employs detachable clamping elements that can be quickly assembled and disassembled, transforming a traditionally static structure into a dynamic one. This allows the shelving to be reconfigured or expanded by adding or removing modules without permanent fixed connections, maintaining flexibility while achieving required stability through proper modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If modular shelving is designed for easy assembly and disassembly to enable mobility, then ease of operation improves, but structural stability and load-bearing capacity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembly, disassembly and mobilityVSAvoidstructural stability under load
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping elements are pre-designed with specific engagement geometries that ensure proper alignment and secure connection when assembled. The teeth and clamping element interfaces are configured in advance to provide stable load distribution, allowing quick assembly without compromising structural integrity through properly engineered connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3691494B1Modular structure for shelving
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 METALSISTEM
  • EP3691494B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3691494B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3691494B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The modular structure (1) for shelving comprises: - a plurality of vertical uprights (2) comprising at least one pair of first teeth (3) arranged one on top of the other to define a first interlocking plane (A); - a plurality of first metal sections (4) provided with a cross section, higher than its width, of substantially tubular and parallelepiped shape, and with two ending parts (5) provided with corners and with one pair of first clamping elements (6), arranged protruding in the proximity of the corners and superimposed on one another; the first clamping elements (6) being spaced apart from one another to be coupled from top to bottom and in block configuration to any pair of the first teeth (3) along the first interlocking plane (A), each first clamping element (6) comprising a loop defining a passage slot and each of the ending parts (5) of the first metal sections (4) being substantially flat.