Modular Shelving Lock-Pin Assembly for Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular shelving systems experience vibration and potential loosening or falling of components due to gaps between interconnecting members, especially under significant force exertion, which compromises stability and security.
Innovation Solution
The adjustable shelving assembly features L-shaped corner members with specific aperture configurations, elongated retainers, and lock pins with curved ridges, providing a secure friction fit between corner and interconnecting members, ensuring stability and retention through a combination of grooves, shoulders, and enlarged features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lock pins are used to fasten interconnecting members in modular shelving, then the shelving can be assembled and adjusted, but gaps between interconnecting members cause vibration and component loosening under force
Solution Approach 1:
The corner member is divided into two separate halves that are inserted into the interconnecting member. This segmentation allows the interconnecting member to engage with both halves simultaneously, creating a more secure connection that eliminates gaps and prevents vibration while maintaining adjustability through the aperture system.
Solution Approach 2:
The two halves of the corner member are combined with the interconnecting member through the aperture elements to form a unified rigid structure. This merging eliminates the gaps that cause vibration and ensures that all components move together as a single stable unit when force is applied.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple aperture members are used for connection, then manufacturing is easy, but components loosen or fall under significant force
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture member features an asymmetric design with a larger circle and a smaller vertical hole positioned differently relative to each other. This asymmetric configuration creates a mechanically interlocking relationship with the corresponding aperture element that prevents loosening and falling under force while remaining simple to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture member incorporates circular and curved geometric features (larger circle, smaller vertical hole) that create a friction fit and mechanical interlock with the aperture element. These curved surfaces distribute force more effectively and prevent component separation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively secures the shelving components, enabling them to withstand strong forces without loosening or falling, ensuring maximum stability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the groove of the retainer is clamped by the vertical hole of the aperture member, the interconnecting member is engaged with the corner member, the shoulder of the retainer is clamped by the vertical hole of the aperture element
Implementation Method 2
a substantial portion of the lock pin is fastened in the larger circle of the aperture member and the through hole
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of lock pins each comprising a head including a cut, and a shaft extending from the head wherein the shaft of the lock pin has a diameter about equal to a diameter of the through hole
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable shelving assembly includes four corner members of L-shaped cross section, either half of each corner member comprising aperture members each including an upper, larger circle and a lower, smaller, vertical hole overlapping the larger circle thereof; at least one group of four interconnecting members each comprising upper and lower aperture elements and a through hole besides each of the upper and lower aperture elements for positioning the interconnecting member, each aperture element comprising an upper, smaller, vertical hole and a lower, larger circle overlapping the vertical hole thereof; retainers each for fastening the corner member and the interconnecting member; and lock pins each comprising a head including a cut, and a shaft having ridges. The lock pin is fastened in the larger circle of the aperture member and the through hole. The cut is fastened in the larger circle of the aperture member.