Shelf assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable shelves have structural integrity issues due to slots for T-studs, which weaken the shelf and prevent complete stowage, and require complex hardware with many parts for lift assistance, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A shelf assembly with stanchions and support arms, featuring a biasing element like a gas spring disposed within the stanchions, allowing the shelf to pivot between use and stowed positions with improved structural integrity and reduced parts, using a flange with a rolled edge for support and compact stowage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If slots are added to the shelf to receive T-studs, then the shelf can pivot to a stowed position, but the structural integrity of the shelf is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the slots from the shelf entirely and instead provides pivot functionality through the support arms that engage with the stanchions. This extraction eliminates the weakening effect on the shelf while maintaining the desired pivot capability between use and stowed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms serve as intermediary components between the shelf and the stanchions, enabling the pivot motion without requiring slots in the shelf. The support arms engage with the stanchions and provide the mechanical linkage necessary for pivoting while keeping the shelf structure intact.
2Ease of operation
If conventional brackets and hardware are used to attach gas springs, then lift assistance is provided, but the number of parts increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gas spring attachment directly into the support arm structure, eliminating the need for separate brackets and hardware. The support arm itself is configured to engage with the stanchion and provide both structural support and lift assistance through an integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the shelf, enables pivot motion between positions, and integrates the gas spring attachment for lift assistance. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts while maintaining all necessary capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shelf uses T-studs with slots for pivot attachment, then pivot motion is enabled, but the shelf cannot reach a completely stowed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the T-stud and slot mechanism entirely, replacing it with support arms that engage with the stanchions in a different manner. This allows the shelf to pivot completely flat against the vehicle wall in the stowed position, achieving complete stowage while maintaining smooth pivot motion throughout the range of motion.
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
The solution provides a sturdy, cost-effective, and compact shelving system with improved structural integrity and reduced hardware complexity, enabling efficient pivot between use and stowed positions while maintaining structural support.
Implementation Method 1
The shelf assembly can further comprise at least one biasing element. Each biasing element of the at least one biasing element can be disposed at least partially within the slot of a respective stanchion and configured to bias the shelf toward the stowed position. The at least one biasing element can comprise one or more gas springs.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf assembly can comprise a plurality of stanchions, each stanchion having an axis of elongation and comprising a pair of generally parallel legs that define a slot therebetween and respective front edges. A shelf can have an underside and an opposed upper surface that defines a plane. The shelf can be pivotably coupled to the stanchions about an axis about and between a stowed position and a use position. The axis can extend through the plurality of stanchions at a location above the plane when the shelf is in the use position. At least one biasing element can be disposed at least partially within the slot and configured to bias the shelf toward the stowed position.