Modular shelving system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelving systems, particularly in refrigerated display cases, are difficult to adjust and often require tools, making it challenging to change the inclination or height of shelves without disrupting product display or requiring extensive effort, which can lead to product loss and inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system with a support structure and load pins that allow for easy adjustment of shelf units by shifting load pins between different slots, enabling changes in inclination or height without tools, while maintaining partial support, thus allowing for quick and tool-free reconfiguration of shelves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional shelving systems use fixed or adjustable wire shelves with traditional support structures, then the shelves can support products, but the adjustment of inclination or height is difficult and time-consuming, often requiring tools
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving system transitions from fixed or difficult-to-adjust shelves to a dynamic configuration system where load pins can be easily moved between multiple stopping positions on brackets. The brackets are designed to accommodate load pins at various heights and angles, allowing the shelf inclination and position to be dynamically adjusted without tools by simply relocating the load pins along the bracket structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gravity feed shelving systems use inclined shelves to advance product to the front, then product movement is automated, but the inclination angle is difficult to adjust for different product types and weights
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket structure is segmented into multiple discrete stopping positions along its length, each providing a specific inclination angle. The load pin can be placed at any of these predetermined positions, allowing the shelf inclination to be segmented into manageable discrete settings that accommodate different product types and weights without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shelves are adjusted frequently to accommodate different products, then product display versatility improves, but the risk of product loss and disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket structure incorporates predetermined stopping positions that are designed in advance to provide stable shelf configurations. Before adjustment is needed, these stopping positions are pre-configured at optimal locations. When adjustment is required, the load pin is simply moved to a pre-determined stopping position, ensuring stable and reliable shelf configuration without risking product loss during the adjustment process.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelving system includes a support structure, one or more shelf units, and a plurality of load pins. The one or more shelf units are configured to couple on the support structure. At least one of the shelf units includes a shelf platform, and two or more brackets coupled to the shelf platform. At least one of the brackets includes a body and defines an opening having a main slot, and two or more stopping position branch slots adjoining the main slot. Each of at least one of plurality of load pins is coupled between one of the two or more brackets and the support structure such that the bracket is moveable to shift the load pin from one stopping position branch slot to another stopping position branch slot to adjust the position of the shelf unit while the shelf unit remains partially supported by the support structure.