Pivoting mesh shelf locking clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mesh shelving systems lack a reliable, easy-to-use, and sturdy locking mechanism that allows for both locking and unlocking, while also being simple to manufacture and secure.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting mesh shelf locking clamp with a body, convexities, and resiliently bendable arms that rotate between unlocked and locked positions, utilizing hooks to engage with mount apertures for secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the mesh shelf to the bracket, then the reliability of shelf attachment is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a clamp body for attachment to the bracket, resilient arms for engagement, and a pivoting linkage system for operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall operation by distributing functions across separate elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism employs dynamic elements including a pivotable linkage that rotates between locked and unlocked positions, and resilient arms that flex during engagement. This dynamic design enables simple single-handed operation while maintaining secure locking when engaged, resolving the contradiction between reliability and operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the mesh shelf to the bracket, then the reliability of shelf attachment is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult-to-reach features
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arms are positioned and oriented to engage with the shelf crossmember automatically when the clamp is pivoted into the locked position. The geometry of the engagement features is designed so that the user's hand naturally accesses the pivot operation without needing to reach into confined spaces, making the system self-serving during operation.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the mesh shelf to the bracket, then the reliability of shelf attachment is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body and pivot axis are merged into a single integrated component rather than separate parts. The resilient arms are formed as integral features of the clamp body, eliminating the need for additional fasteners, bearings, or assembly steps. This merging significantly simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the reliability of the locking function.
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
Provides a reliable, easy-to-use, and sturdy locking mechanism that simplifies the attachment and detachment of mesh shelves, enhancing the usability and manufacturing simplicity of mesh shelving systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first arm extending from the body proximate to the second end, the first arm being resiliently bendable
Data Source
AI summary
A mesh shelf system comprises a bracket mount, a bracket, a mesh shelf, and a shelf locking clamp. The bracket mount defines a plurality of mount apertures. The bracket is attached to the bracket mount by interfitting with the mount apertures. The mesh shelf is carried by the bracket and includes a crossbar residing proximate to the bracket mount. The shelf locking clamp includes first and second convexities that are disposed in apertures in the bracket, and the shelf locking clamp is rotatable between a first position away from the crossbar and a second position in which the shelf locking clamp resides proximate to the first crossbar. In the second position, the shelf locking clamp is attachable to the bracket mount.