Modular Vertical Support for Powered Shelving with Hidden Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelving systems lack flexibility in configuration, aesthetic appeal, and the ability to support powered appliances, limiting their practical and visual customization options, especially in temporary or dynamic display settings.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system with modular, vertically-oriented supports that allow easy assembly, modification, and disassembly, featuring internal attachment sites and a power delivery mechanism to accommodate various powered appliances, enhancing aesthetic and functional flexibility while maintaining a clean visual appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shelving systems use fixed attachment locations for vertical supports and attachable elements, then assembly is simplified, but the number of configurations is limited and aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical support is divided into multiple modular sections, each containing attachment mechanisms at different locations. This segmentation allows the shelving system to be configured in various ways by assembling different sections, thereby increasing the number of configurations while maintaining manageable complexity through standardization of each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanisms are designed to be universal, allowing the same vertical support structure to accommodate different types of attachable elements (shelves, baskets, mirrors, etc.) at multiple locations. This multi-functionality enables a single vertical support design to serve various configuration needs without increasing complexity
2Ease of operation
If attachment locations are exposed on the exterior of vertical supports, then assembly is easier, but aesthetic appeal is detracted due to unsightly appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanisms are nested within recesses or cavities in the vertical support structure. The attachable elements are inserted into these recesses from the interior, allowing the attachment process to remain accessible while the attachment points themselves are concealed within the vertical support's exterior surface, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is extracted from the exterior surface and placed within the interior of the vertical support. The attachment points are positioned inside the vertical support structure, and attachable elements are connected from the interior side, removing the visual distraction of exposed attachment hardware while preserving ease of assembly through accessible interior mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If shelving systems lack internal power sources, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to support powered appliances is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery system is merged with the vertical support structure itself. Electrical conductors are integrated into the vertical support, and power outlets or connection points are incorporated directly into the attachment mechanisms. This combining of structural and electrical functions allows powered appliances to be supported without adding separate complex power delivery infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical support is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural element and as a power delivery system. The same vertical support that provides mechanical attachment also provides electrical power to attached elements, enabling support for powered appliances while avoiding the complexity of separate dedicated power systems
4Ease of repair
If shelving systems are designed for easy disassembly, then modification is simplified, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical support incorporates pre-designed disassembly features such as removable connectors, snap-fit mechanisms, or tool-free release systems that are built into the structure during manufacturing. These preliminary actions enable easy modification and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity during use, as the stability mechanisms are already integrated into the design rather than added later
Data Source
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AI summary
A vertical support (10) provides for the rapid assembly, disassembly, and modification of a shelving system (210) in a variety of configurations, as determined by the practical and aesthetic requirements of the user. The vertical support (10) facilitates the mounting of a variety of attachment members (100), such as shelves, hangers, or media boards, that contain powered appliances (120), allowing the user to further customize the shelving system to his practical and aesthetic requirements. The vertical support (10) makes it easy for a user to mount these attachment members (100) and hides the connections of the various components, to maximize the aesthetic appeal of the shelving display. Additionally, the vertical support (10) can be configured with other subcomponents to form shelving systems.