Rotating Gravity-Feed Shelf Assembly for Rear Refill Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelf assemblies that require refilling from behind often occupy valuable aisle space, making it inconvenient for customers and staff, leading to reduced usage as the assemblies are difficult to maneuver and steer in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A shelf assembly with a rotatable shelving section that can pivot between a display position and a refill position, where the axis of rotation is asymmetrically located to allow the rear to protrude from the space during refilling, enabling access without blocking the aisle and using roller means for stabilization and controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shelf assembly is pulled out or pivoted out for refilling from behind, then the rear becomes accessible for refilling, but the aisle is blocked and valuable floor space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf assembly utilizes rotational movement around a vertical axis to change its orientation from facing forward to facing backward, enabling refilling access without linear displacement. This dimensional change allows the shelf to occupy the same floor space while providing rear access through rotation rather than pulling out.
Solution Approach 2:
The axis of rotation is positioned asymmetrically within the shelf assembly structure, specifically located toward the front rather than at the center. This asymmetric positioning allows the rear of the shelf to rotate outward and become accessible while the front remains closer to the original position, minimizing aisle blockage during refilling operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the shelf assembly is made heavy and difficult to steer, then it requires supports and guide tracks for stable movement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf assembly is designed to rotate and stabilize itself through its own weight and geometry without requiring external guide tracks or complex support mechanisms. The asymmetric axis positioning and gravity-feeding shelf design allow the assembly to naturally return to and maintain its display position, providing self-stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf assembly transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, utilizing controlled rotational movement around a fixed vertical axis. This dynamic capability allows the shelf to be rotated for refilling and then return to its display position, providing operational flexibility without requiring complex mechanical supports.
3Ease of operation
If the shelving section is rotated in situ about an axis of rotation, then the rear protrudes further from the boundary surface for refilling, but the rotation space must be carefully managed within the limited area
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical axis of rotation is positioned asymmetrically within the shelf assembly, closer to the front than the rear. This asymmetric positioning allows the rear of the shelf to extend further from the rear boundary surface when rotated to the refill position, providing better access for refilling while the front remains closer to the original position, minimizing the rotation space required.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf assembly utilizes rotational movement around a vertical axis to change its orientation, allowing the rear to protrude further from the boundary surface during refilling. This rotational dimensionality change enables the shelf to access refilling space without requiring additional linear space in the aisle.
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
Facilitates refilling from behind without occupying the floor space in front, allowing for efficient product replenishment while maintaining stability and maximizing usable space, even in tight areas.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates generally to a shelf assembly for products... which shelf assembly is rotatable between at least one display position... and a refill position... The shelving section comprises a plurality of spaced-apart gravity-feeding shelves
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A shelf assembly for products to be placed in a limited space, which at least is limited in depth by a rear boundary surface and laterally by lateral surfaces. The shelf assembly consists of a shelving section (301) with a front (301a) and a rear (301b), which shelving section comprises a plurality of gravity- feeding shelves and a base plate. The shelving section is placed on a shelving section support and arranged on the same to be rotatable about an axis (303), which is arranged by a first engaging means, which is placed on the base plate and rotatably engaged with a second engaging means, which is placed on the shelving section support. The rear (301b) of the shelving section is in the refill position located further away from said rear boundary surface (330c) than is said front (301a) of the shelving section in the display position. Moreover, the shelving section is rotatable substantially within said limited space (330).