Adjustable shelving assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelving systems lack fine adjustability and flexibility to accommodate unique retail space constraints and product sizes, often requiring new parts or incomplete tray configurations to achieve optimal display.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable shelving assembly featuring telescoping support rails with locking mechanisms and modular tray connections, allowing for customizable height adjustments and combined tray sizes to fit specific retail space needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular shelving units are used to provide flexibility, then adaptability to different retail spaces is improved, but fine adjustability is lost due to fixed increment limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The support rail is segmented into multiple discrete slot positions along its length, allowing the shelf to be positioned at various intervals. This segmentation enables fine adjustability while maintaining the modular nature of the shelving unit, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf positioning system allows dynamic adjustment between fixed slot positions, enabling the shelving unit to adapt to different retail space configurations while maintaining precise positioning capability. The ability to move the shelf to different slots provides both flexibility and fine adjustability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If trays are modified or trimmed to fit retail spaces, then adaptability to space constraints is improved, but structural integrity and product protection are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying complete trays, the system uses adjustable shelf positions within the support rails to accommodate different tray sizes and configurations. This allows trays to retain their full structural integrity while still fitting various retail space constraints through positional adjustment rather than physical modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rail system with multiple slot positions provides universal compatibility with different tray sizes and configurations. Rather than modifying trays for specific spaces, the standardized rail system adapts to various tray dimensions, maintaining tray integrity while achieving space optimization.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size trays are used to simplify manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but space utilization is worsened when retail spaces cannot be evenly filled
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf and tray positioning system enables dynamic configuration to match various retail space dimensions. Standardized trays can be positioned at different locations along the support rails, allowing flexible arrangement patterns (such as staggered or asymmetric layouts) that maximize space utilization without requiring custom tray sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes space utilization by utilizing the vertical dimension and lateral positioning along the support rails, rather than relying solely on tray length variations. Multiple trays can be arranged at different heights and positions, creating efficient space filling patterns with standardized tray dimensions.
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
Enables precise and adaptable shelving configurations that maximize retail space utilization and product display, preventing product damage and reducing the need for frequent part replacements.
Implementation Method 1
A leave spring may be connected to the shelf and extend from a connection point along a rear edge of the shelf to a side of the shelf
Implementation Method 2
A first locking tooth may be positioned at an end of the leave spring and be configured to be inserted into a slot in the first or second support rail to lock the shelf in place
Data Source
AI summary
A shelving assembly includes a first and second support rail each including a plurality of slots. The assembly may further include a shelf configured to connect to the first and second support rails and a bracket connected thereto. The bracket includes a plurality of teeth arranged at a distal end of the bracket and facing away from the shelf. A leave spring may be connected to the shelf and extend from a connection point along a rear edge of the shelf to a side of the shelf. A locking tooth positioned at an end of the leave spring is configured to be inserted into a slot in the first or second support rail to lock the shelf in place. The shelving assembly may further include telescoping support rails. The support rails may be include front faces having slots therein. The front faces of the inner telescoping sections may be offset from the front faces of the outer telescoping sections. The assembly may include an extension bracket configured to connect to a front face of the inner telescoping sections and align with the front face of the outer telescoping sections.