Merchandise Shelf Bracket Integration via Omitted Grid Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelves for merchandise racks face challenges in manufacturing efficiency and structural strength, particularly in the integration of bracket elements with grid structures, leading to limitations in installation space and load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A shelf design featuring a lattice body with omitted or spaced lattice bars, where bracket elements replace the load-bearing function of missing bars, increasing installation space and strength by extending into the enclosure, and incorporating elastic deformation for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bracket elements are integrated with the grid structure by inserting support elements into recesses, then manufacturing efficiency and structural strength are enhanced, but installation space is reduced due to the coupling area occupying grid bar space
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket element is merged with the grid structure by integrating the support element insertion directly into the bracket design. The recesses in the bracket receive support elements that are part of the grid body, creating a unified structural assembly that enhances strength while minimizing space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket element extends vertically into the enclosure space in the third dimension, utilizing the height dimension rather than occupying horizontal grid bar positions. This dimensional transition allows the bracket to assume load-bearing functions without interfering with the planar arrangement of grid bars.
2Strength
If the bracket element height is increased to improve load-bearing capacity, then strength is enhanced, but the coupling area complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket element serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, assumes the load-bearing function of omitted grid bars, and enables vertical extension into the enclosure. This multi-functionality allows height increase for improved load-bearing capacity without proportionally increasing coupling complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If lattice bars are omitted or spaced increased in the coupling area to accommodate bracket elements, then bracket integration is facilitated, but the load-bearing distribution of the grid structure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The grid structure is designed with local variations in bar spacing to accommodate bracket elements at specific coupling areas, while maintaining uniform spacing in other regions. This localized modification allows easy bracket integration without compromising the overall load-bearing distribution of the grid structure.
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
Enhances manufacturing efficiency and structural strength by optimizing bracket element integration, allowing increased height and load-bearing capacity while maintaining aesthetic appeal and enabling sensor integration for weight detection.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic deformation of a section of a support element and/or a slight elastic bending of the grid bars takes place
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a shelf for a merchandise rack, comprising a grid body with several grid bars arranged sequentially next to each other, forming gaps between them, and connected to each other via support elements, and at least one bracket element, wherein the bracket element has connection sections for coupling the bracket element to a vertically supporting structure, the bracket element has recesses that are adapted to the geometry of the grid body so that sections of the support elements can be inserted into the recesses, the grid bars are arranged parallel to each other, and in the coupling area of the bracket element to the grid body an omission zone is provided by omitting a grid bar or by increasing the spacing of adjacent grid bars, and the bracket element partially extends into an area of the grid bars thus kept free of a grid bar.