A shelving system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelving systems struggle to support the weight of displayed items effectively, often requiring adhesives to secure building elements, which may not provide a sturdy or removable solution.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system designed with modular block elements and back panels featuring cylindrical protrusions and indentations, simulating a toy construction system, allowing for secure and removable assembly using standard module sizes and materials like Kerrock or Corion for enhanced strength and visual appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive is used to secure building elements, then the shelving system can be assembled, but the solution becomes non-removable and may not provide sufficient strength
Solution Approach 1:
The building elements are divided into modular components with distinct coupling organs (protrusions and indentations) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each element maintains structural integrity while allowing for removable connections through the coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a mechanical coupling system consisting of protrusions and indentations. This mechanical system provides both strong attachment and easy removability by design, eliminating the need for adhesives while achieving both strength and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If coupling organs of building elements are designed for horizontal building, then assembly is enabled, but the coupling organs lack clamping effect to withhold the weight of the building elements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling organs feature asymmetric geometry where protrusions and indentations are shaped to provide directional engagement. The indentation is designed with surfaces that engage the protrusion in a way that creates mechanical interlocking, providing sufficient clamping effect to support vertical loads while maintaining ease of horizontal assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism extends from two-dimensional horizontal assembly into the third dimension by incorporating vertical clamping surfaces in the protrusions and indentations. This allows the same coupling organs to provide both horizontal assembly guidance and vertical load-bearing capacity through their three-dimensional geometry.
Data Source
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AI summary
A shelving system comprising at least one back panel and at least one block element, the back panel comprises a substantially planar surface, and where the at least one block element is mounted on the back panel, wherein the back panel comprises at least two areas, a first area of the at least one back panel comprising protrusions; the protrusions being mutually identical and positioned on the planar surface in grid points of a regular two dimensional grid; and a second area of the at least one back panel comprises the at least one block element, the block element extending in a distance corresponding to one or multiple of a standard module size in a plane parallel to the planar surface of the back panel in two mutually perpendicular directions defined by grid points of a regular two dimensional grid.