Rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelves with clamping means often require complex and aesthetically unpleasing designs to achieve sufficient clamping force and secure holding of shelf boards and cabinet elements, which can be difficult to operate and position.
Innovation Solution
The clamping means are composed of two plate-shaped basic bodies with displaceable clamping jaws guided by an eccentric mechanism, allowing for easy positioning and generation of powerful clamping forces without complex tensioning, featuring wedge surfaces for secure fixation and a groove-shaped recess for cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If clamping tabs or lugs tensioned by screws are used, then clamping force can be achieved, but the design becomes complex and aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the clamping mechanism from a screw-tensioned system to an eccentric-rotated system. By changing the tensioning parameter from linear screw movement to rotational eccentric movement, the design achieves simpler operation and better aesthetics while maintaining effective clamping force generation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using screws to directly tension clamping tabs, the patent inverts the approach by using an eccentric mechanism where rotation of the eccentric body indirectly tensions the clamping jaws through guided displacement of plate-shaped basic bodies, achieving the same clamping effect with superior simplicity and appearance
2Reliability
If clamping means are designed to generate powerful clamping forces, then secure holding is achieved, but operation becomes difficult and positioning becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric mechanism automatically converts rotational motion into the necessary linear displacement and clamping force. The guided plate-shaped basic bodies self-align and self-tension as the eccentric rotates, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning or adjustment operations while ensuring reliable clamping
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentric body's curved geometry transforms simple rotational motion into complex guided linear motion of the clamping jaws. This curved mechanism naturally provides the full range of motion and force generation needed for secure holding, while requiring only simple rotational input from the user
3Force
If wedge surfaces are worked into lateral surfaces, then powerful clamping forces are achieved with less tensioning effort, but the longitudinal section requires additional processing
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge surfaces are pre-formed as integral parts of the longitudinal section during its primary manufacturing process. By incorporating the wedge geometry into the base manufacturing steps, the additional processing required is minimal, while the benefit of mechanical advantage in the clamping mechanism is fully realized
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
This design enables simple and secure attachment of shelf boards and cabinet elements in any desired position, providing a strong and aesthetically appealing solution with easy operation and effective cable concealment.
Implementation Method 1
borne in a rotatable way in the first plate-shaped basic body is a rotational shaft or axis of an eccentric, and the eccentric body projects into a recess of the second plate-shaped basic body
Implementation Method 2
Through simple rotation of the eccentric, the two plate-shaped basic bodies, provided with clamping jaws, are displaced toward one another, whereby the clamping jaws are tensioned against the lateral surfaces of the longitudinal section. Via the eccentric, powerful clamping forces are able to be generated
Implementation Method 3
the longitudinal section has a base area, a surface area opposite the base area, and one first wedge surface each, worked into the lateral surfaces, and the clamping jaws are each provided with a second wedge surface corresponding to the first wedge surface. During tensioning of the clamping jaws, powerful clamping forces can thereby be achieved without great effort to tension the tensioning means
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rack comprising at least one longitudinal profile, which can be vertically aligned, to which retaining means can be attached, into which trays, cabinet elements or other shelf elements can be inserted, which retaining means are held in clamping fashion via clamping jaws on the longitudinal profile. The clamping jaws are attached to a first plate-shaped based body and to a second plate-shaped base body, which are arranged lying one atop the other and can be moved against each other, guided by guiding means, and as a result the clamping jaws can be tensioned against lateral surfaces of the longitudinal profile. A rotation axle of an eccentric for moving the clamping jaws is rotatably mounted in the first plate-shaped base body and the eccentric body protrudes into a recess of the second plate-shaped base body. A simply designed retaining means is thus obtained which can be easily clamped on the longitudinal profile.