Modular Sectional Shelving With U-Shaped Shelf Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sectional shelving units face issues with safety due to sharp edges, increased dimensions, and accidental disengagement, while also being complex and costly to fabricate, and lack efficient modular design for easy assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
The design features modular shelf elements with vertically oriented stiffening members and U-shaped joining elements that provide stable support without mechanical connections, reducing sharp edges and overall size, while allowing for versatile assembly and high load capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shelves and crossbars have complementarily shaped notches for stable connection, then connection stability is improved, but sharp edges are created that may cause injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing sharp notched edges with rounded or curved connection surfaces. The shelf edges and crossbar receiving surfaces are formed with continuous curved profiles instead of sharp angular notches, maintaining connection stability while eliminating injury hazards from sharp edges.
2Reliability
If the folded edge of the shelf overlaps with the crossbar, then connection stability is improved, but the overall dimensions of the shelf and shelving unit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by designing the shelf edge to fit within a recess or cavity in the crossbar rather than overlapping externally. The curved shelf edge is received in a corresponding curved recess in the crossbar, nesting the connection elements together to maintain stability while minimizing overall dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If plates on crossbars have apertures or breaks for shelf positioning, then shelf positioning flexibility is improved, but the plates become deformable and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the positioning function into separate elements: the crossbar provides structural strength with solid plates, while discrete positioning features such as ledges, stops, or localized curved surfaces provide shelf positioning flexibility. This separates the load-bearing function from the positioning function, maintaining both strength and adaptability.
4Reliability
If crossbars have pocket-like joining elements with multiple folds, then connection stability is improved, but fabrication complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple functions into simpler unified elements. Instead of separate pocket-like joining elements with multiple folds, the design integrates positioning surfaces, support surfaces, and retention features into streamlined curved profiles on the shelf edges and crossbars, reducing fabrication complexity while maintaining connection stability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Sectional shelving (1) with modular shelf elements, comprising at least two pairs of vertical uprights (2, 3) in longitudinally and transversely staggered positions, at least one pair of horizontal crossbars (4, 5), each adapted to connect a respective pair of uprights (2, 3) together in the transverse direction, and at least one pair of horizontal shelves (13, 14) located at different heights to define vertically staggered support surfaces. Each shelf (13, 14) consists of at least one modular element (15) having a flat top portion (17) and downwardly folded longitudinal lateral portions (19) substantially perpendicular to said flat top portion (17); each crossbar (4, 5) has a substantially vertical wall (9, 10) with an upper edge (11, 12) having a stiffening member (23, 24). The stiffening member (23, 24) is substantially vertical and defines a joining element (25, 26) for the shelves (13, 14) and the joining element (25, 26) extends seamlessly and with no apertures therein; each modular element (15) has transverse end appendages (27) each designed to simply lay on said joining element (25, 26) of a respective crossbar (4, 5).