Shelving assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular shelving assemblies face challenges in manufacturing, such as the tedious process of cutting metal tubes into various lengths and the inconvenience of delivering long posts, which limits flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates elongated L-shaped metal posts with 90-degree bends, featuring equally spaced apertures and connection members with retainers, allowing for easy assembly and height adjustment by locking the posts together using T-shaped aperture members, enabling convenient delivery and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If metal tubes are cut into various lengths based on specifications, then the shelving assembly can accommodate different configurations and needs, but the manufacturing process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving system is divided into standardized modular components (posts, shelves, connectors) that can be assembled in different configurations. Posts come in fixed standard lengths with standardized aperture patterns, allowing versatility through combinatorial assembly rather than custom-cutting each component.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized posts with uniform aperture spacing and connector designs serve multiple configuration needs. The same post component can be used in various shelving arrangements, eliminating the need for different lengths while maintaining adaptability through standardized modular assembly.
2Length of stationary object
If posts are made too long to provide sufficient shelving height, then the shelving assembly can achieve desired height, but delivery becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
Tall shelving assemblies are constructed by vertically stacking multiple standardized posts of manageable lengths. Connectors join these posts together to achieve the desired total height, breaking down long posts into shorter, more deliverable segments while maintaining the capability for tall configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional connectors are used to join posts, then assembly is possible, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design allows posts to be joined through straightforward insertion and locking mechanisms that enable quick assembly without complex tools or procedures. The standardized interface between connectors and post apertures enables users to assemble the shelving system efficiently with minimal guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelving assembly includes at least one first post having an L-shaped section and including first apertures, two connection members at first ends respectively, and a retainer disposed on an outer surface of each connection member and including a neck and an enlarged head. A second post has an L-shaped section and includes second apertures and two T-shaped aperture members at second ends respectively. A size of the aperture member is greater than a diameter of the head. A length of the aperture member is at least 1.5 times of a diameter of the head. A width of a vertical part of the aperture member is greater than a diameter of the neck and smaller than the diameter of the head. The retainer passes through the aperture member to lock the neck in the vertical part, thereby joining the first and second posts.