Rotating Gravity-Feed Shelf Assembly for Rear Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelf assemblies that require refilling from behind are cumbersome and often block aisles in limited spaces, making it inconvenient for customers and staff, leading to reduced usage of the refilling mechanism.
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 occupying the front space and facilitating rotation within limited spaces.
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 shelf assembly blocks the aisle and occupies space in front of the limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf assembly utilizes rotational movement around a vertical axis to transition between display and refill positions. This dimensional change allows the shelf to access the rear boundary surface for refilling without extending forward into the aisle space, solving the contradiction between refill accessibility and aisle space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf assembly employs an asymmetric pivot point positioned at the front edge rather than the center. This asymmetric configuration allows the rear of the shelf to rotate outward to the refill position while the front remains constrained within the limited space boundaries, preventing aisle blockage during refilling operations.
2Strength
If the shelf assembly is made heavy and stable for support, then it can bear product weight, but it becomes difficult to steer and requires supports and guide tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf assembly transitions from a static supported structure to a dynamic self-contained unit with integrated rollers. The rollers enable the heavy shelf to move smoothly along the limited space boundaries without requiring external guide tracks or supports, maintaining both load-bearing capacity and ease of movement.
3Ease of operation
If the shelf assembly is completely pulled out for refilling, then full access is provided, but it occupies floor space in front of the limited space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of linear withdrawal that occupies floor space, the shelf assembly rotates around a vertical axis at the front edge. This rotational movement in a different dimension allows the rear to access the refill position while the front remains anchored, preventing floor space occupation in front of the limited space.
Data Source
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 with a front and a rear, 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, 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 of the shelving section is in the refill position located further away from the rear boundary surface than is the front of the shelving section in the display position. Moreover, the shelving section is rotatable substantially within the limited space.