Self-Supporting Suspension Assembly Without Screws or Bolts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-supporting storage shelf systems are cumbersome to assemble, require multiple screws or bolts, and are not versatile enough to accommodate shelves, wire baskets, clothes racks, and other items, with limited accessibility and stability.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting suspension device featuring columns with parallel flanges and webs, where each column is inserted into a slot on a foot, and stabilized by a clamping mechanism without the need for screws or bolts, allowing for easy assembly and versatile item attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional storage shelf systems use multiple screws and bolts for assembly, then the structural stability is improved, but the assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension device is divided into separate modular components (columns, feet, stabilisation elements, shelf supports) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each component has specific connection features (slots, protrusions, clamping surfaces) that enable straightforward assembly without requiring multiple fastening operations per joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for screws and bolts from the assembly process. Instead of using threaded fasteners, the design employs direct mechanical interlocking through slots, protrusions, and clamping mechanisms, removing the disturbing elements (screws/bolts) while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If traditional storage shelf systems use multiple pins and bolted joints, then the connection strength is improved, but the number of components and package space increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into single integrated components. For example, the foot combines both support and column retention functions through its slot and clamping features. The stabilisation element integrates both diagonal bracing and column connection functions, eliminating the need for separate pins and bolts at each joint.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are designed with multi-functionality to reduce the total number of parts. The columns serve both as vertical supports and as anchoring points for stabilisation elements. The feet provide both floor support and column retention. Shelf supports combine hanging and positioning functions, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional storage shelf systems use fixed assembly structures, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability and ease of reconfiguration decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from fixed rigid joints to dynamic, adjustable connections. The slots in the feet and stabilisation elements allow for positional adjustment while maintaining secure engagement. Shelf supports can be moved to different heights and positions on the columns, enabling reconfiguration while preserving assembly precision through the defined slot geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter changes in position and configuration without requiring different components. The slot dimensions and positions can be varied to accommodate different assembly precision requirements. The number and positioning of protrusions and clamping features can be adjusted to balance stability with reconfiguration ease, enabling the same basic structure to serve multiple precision and adaptability requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-supporting suspension device may include vertically oriented columns. The columns may be releasably fastened to one or two feet by being inserted into slots of the respective feet and by surrounding a portion thereof. A stabilisation element may be fastened to two adjacent columns for lateral stability of the suspension device, and a locking beam or the stabilisation element may increase the torsional rigidity of the columns.