Shelf Box Dual-Level Locking Stops for Secure Hanging and Standing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shelf box systems are not universally suitable, particularly for small boxes and low loading quantities, and lack effective protection against boxes slipping out of the shelf, especially in mobile applications.

Innovation Solution

A shelf box system featuring double-T cross-section guide rails with locking stops in the upper and lower thirds of the side walls, allowing secure hanging and easy access, and enabling both hanging and standing installation configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If locking stops are arranged only in the upper third of the side wall, then the box can be secured against falling, but small boxes and low loading quantities cannot be universally accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniversal suitability for different box sizesVSAvoidprotection against slipping out
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into two distinct groups: first locking stops (3, 4) in the upper third for securing against falling, and second locking stops (7, 8) in the lower third for preventing slipping. This segmentation allows each group to specialize in different protection functions, enabling universal suitability across various box sizes while maintaining reliable protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking stops are arranged in two different vertical dimensions (upper third and lower third of the side wall), creating a multi-level locking system. This dimensional distribution allows the box to be securely locked at multiple heights, accommodating different box sizes and loading quantities while preventing both falling and slipping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If guide rails have double-T cross-section, then the box can be hung securely, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure hangingVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The double-T cross-section guide rails serve multiple functions: they provide hanging capability for secure attachment, guide the box during insertion and removal, and work in conjunction with the locking stops to prevent slipping and falling. This multi-functionality achieves reliable secure hanging while avoiding the need for separate components, thereby not increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If locking stops are arranged in upper and lower thirds, then protection against slipping and falling is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against slipping and fallingVSAvoidnumber of locking stops
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple locking stops (first locking stops 3, 4 in the upper third and second locking stops 7, 8 in the lower third) are merged into a single box structure, all produced in one piece by injection molding. This combining approach provides comprehensive protection against both slipping and falling while avoiding the complexity of separate assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking stops are integrated directly into the box structure during injection molding, making the box self-sufficient with built-in locking capability. This eliminates the need for separate locking components or complex assembly procedures, achieving enhanced protection without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3491970B1Shelf box
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 SORTIMO INT GMBH
  • EP3491970B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3491970B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3491970B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a shelf box (1) with at least two first locking stops (3, 4) arranged on a side wall (2) of the shelf box (1) and a corresponding shelf box system. Known shelf boxes of this type are not very versatile and can only be combined with certain shelf-mounted rails. The problem of providing a shelf box or a shelf box system that is more versatile is solved by the shelf box having first locking stops (3, 4) in the upper third (5) of the side wall (2) or by the shelf box system having a walkway (10) on which the shelf box (1) with the locking stops (3, 4) rests, and a locking lug (11) against which front locking stops (3) in a first position and rear locking stops (4) in a second position of the shelf box (1) bear on the walkway (10).