Self-Supporting Shelf Suspension Assembly Without Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-supporting suspension devices for shelves and baskets are cumbersome to assemble, require multiple screws or bolts, and are not easily adaptable for use with wire baskets, clothes racks, or other items, occupying significant space and being inflexible in configuration.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting suspension device featuring columns with parallel flanges interconnected by a web, where the column is inserted into a slot on a foot, allowing for clamping and stabilization without screws or bolts, and utilizing a stabilisation element and locking beam for rigidity and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional self-supporting suspension devices use multiple screws and bolted joints for assembly, then structural stability is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional screw and bolted joint mechanisms with a friction-based clamp system. The clamp applies radial pressure to the column through a simple lever arm mechanism, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners while achieving sufficient holding force for shelf suspension.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the assembly system. By removing screws, bolts, and complex joining mechanisms, the design achieves stability through a simplified clamp-column-foot assembly that requires minimal parts and no tools for installation.
2Strength
If traditional suspension devices use fixed configurations with multiple components, then structural rigidity is improved, but adaptability for different items (wire baskets, clothes racks) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is designed with universal applicability, featuring an adjustable lever arm and friction-based gripping that can accommodate various shapes, sizes, and materials of suspended items including wire baskets, clothes racks, and traditional shelves. The same basic structure serves multiple functions without requiring item-specific configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system incorporates dynamic adjustability through the lever arm mechanism, allowing the clamp position and pressure point to be optimized for different suspended loads. This dynamic capability enables the rigid structure to adapt to varying item weights, shapes, and mounting requirements.
3Strength
If traditional devices occupy significant space for multiple components, then structural support capability is improved, but package space and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp components are designed to nest within or alongside the column structure when not in use. The lever arm can be positioned within the column's cross-sectional area, and the clamp body can be integrated with or attached to the column, minimizing the overall volume required for storage and packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the support function into the existing column structure rather than adding separate support components. The clamp integrates with the column and foot assembly, combining multiple structural elements into a unified system that provides support capability without increasing package volume.
4Stability of the object's composition
If traditional suspension devices require precise alignment and multiple fastening points, then stability is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism employs self-adjusting friction-based gripping that automatically adapts to the column diameter and surface characteristics. The lever arm mechanism provides self-locking through friction, eliminating the need for precise alignment procedures or multiple fastening operations while maintaining stable attachment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-supporting suspension device for suspending shelves, baskets or the like from vertically oriented columns (1). The columns are releasably fastened to one or two feet (2) by being inserted into the slot of the respective feet (2) adjacent one of its ends and by tightly surrounding a portion thereof. A stabilisation element (8) is fastened to two adjacent columns for lateral stability of the suspension device, and a locking beam (9) or the stabilisation element (8) makes the columns (1) torsionally rigid.