Attachment device for securing a shelf to a shelving unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shelving units require cumbersome and time-consuming processes to add or remove shelves, as users must move existing shelves and reposition them to accommodate new ones, disrupting stored items and being inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A shelf attachment device with a collar and locking plate that allows shelves to be easily added or removed between existing shelves without repositioning them, using a collar that wraps around posts and a locking plate to secure the shelf in place, enabling efficient swapping and placement of shelves without disturbing stored items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a new shelf is added to a shelving unit, then the shelving unit gains additional storage capacity, but existing shelves must be moved and repositioned which is time-consuming and disrupts stored items
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into separate components: a collar that attaches to the post and a shelf that attaches to the collar. This segmentation allows the shelf to be added independently without moving existing shelves, as each shelf has its own attachment mechanism directly connected to the post.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar acts as an intermediary component between the post and the shelf. By introducing this intermediate element, the shelf can be attached to the post without directly interfering with other shelves, eliminating the need to move existing shelves when adding new ones.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new shelf is added between existing shelves, then storage flexibility is improved, but the process requires removing items from existing shelves and repositioning them
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device separates the shelf support function from the existing shelf structure, allowing independent positioning. The collar can be attached at any position on the post, and the shelf attaches to the collar, enabling flexible placement without disrupting other shelves or their stored items.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device is designed to be self-contained and self-installing. The collar attaches directly to the post and the shelf attaches to the collar without requiring manual intervention to move other shelves, making the system self-sufficient for shelf addition operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If shelves are secured to posts using traditional methods, then structural stability is achieved, but the attachment process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed with flexible material that allows it to dynamically adjust during attachment. The collar can be compressed to open position for easy installation onto the post, then returns to its original shape to provide a secure fit, simplifying the attachment process while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is made of flexible material that can be deformed during installation and then maintains its shape to provide secure attachment. This flexibility allows for simple snap-on installation while ensuring stable connection between the shelf and post.
Data Source
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AI summary
A shelving unit has a plurality of posts, a shelf, and a shelf attachment device. The shelf has corner edges that are coupled to the posts. The shelf attachment device is formed as a separate component from the posts and the shelf. The shelf attachment device is attachable to one of the plurality of posts, and detachable from the one of the plurality of posts. The shelf attachment device has a ledge that removably receives corner edges of the shelf. The shelf attachment device has a collar that extends around the one of the plurality of posts when the shelf attachment device is attached to the one of the plurality of posts. The shelf attachment device has a lock plate that is slidably engaged with the collar to secure the collar to one of the plurality of posts.