Pleated Closed-Section Shelving Upright for High Load Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelving uprights face challenges in supporting variable loads without deformation, as the stress can lead to buckling and increased material usage, resulting in higher costs and space inefficiency, especially when trying to maintain rigidity and prevent the uprights from opening under high stress.
Innovation Solution
A tubular shelving upright with a closed perimeter section and longitudinal folds forming a pleated zone, providing high rigidity and allowing for the positioning of shelves and braces, which reduces material thickness and manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the uprights is increased to ensure mechanical resistance and prevent deformation, then the rigidity and load-bearing capacity are improved, but the material consumption and manufacturing cost increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The upright is divided into multiple longitudinal zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) with different fold configurations. Each zone has specific folds positioned at predetermined distances from reference planes, creating segmented structural regions that optimize rigidity where needed while reducing material usage in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the upright have different structural characteristics through the fold segmentation. The first zone has folds at specific distances from a first reference plane, the second zone has folds at specific distances from a second reference plane, and the third zone has folds at specific distances from a third reference plane, creating local variations in rigidity that match local load requirements.
2Strength
If the section of the upright is increased to improve resistance to bending and deformation, then the load-bearing capacity is enhanced, but the space occupied by the shelving assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upright incorporates longitudinal folds that create curved, pleated zones within the structure. These folds form sinusoidal or wave-like patterns that provide enhanced bending resistance without increasing the overall external dimensions of the upright, effectively using curvature to strengthen the structure while maintaining compact space occupation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional open-section uprights are used to reduce material cost, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the uprights are prone to deformation and opening under high stress
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple folds are combined within the same upright structure, with folds in the first zone, second zone, and third zone working together to create a composite reinforcement system. The folds are positioned at predetermined distances from reference planes, creating a merged structural system that provides enhanced resistance to opening and deformation while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The upright has openings in the form of recesses (1) on height of the upright and longitudinal folds (3, 4) present on entire height of the upright, where the upright is formed from a single metal sheet folded and welded on the entire height of the upright so as to form a closed perimeter section. The folds are placed on a same face of the upright. Folded area is positioned in middle of the face. The folded area includes orifices for riveting or bolting bracings. The section has a polygonal shape outside of the folded area.