Shelf bracket assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelving systems with integrated weighing units lack practical implementation of load cells, particularly in determining the exact location of item removal based on weight measurements.
Innovation Solution
A shelf bracket assembly with a cantilever and integrated weighing devices, comprising a force-introduction section, linkage section, and force-supporting section, formed from vertically extending metal plates, which support a shelf panel and provide accurate weight measurements for determining the location of item removal or addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a weighing device is integrated into the shelf bracket assembly, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing device is merged with the shelf bracket assembly by integrating the force-introduction section, linkage section, and force-supporting section into a unified structural unit. The force-introduction section connects to the shelf panel, the linkage section transmits force through two parallel weighing plates, and the force-supporting section anchors to the upright, creating an integrated weighing structure that eliminates separate mounting components and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf bracket assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: structural support for the shelf panel, anchoring to the upright, and weight measurement. The same structural components (force-introduction section, linkage section with weighing plates, force-supporting section) simultaneously provide mechanical support and enable weighing functionality, eliminating the need for separate support and weighing systems
2Measurement precision
If the linkage section comprises two weighing plates extending horizontally, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage section is segmented into two separate horizontal weighing plates that extend parallel to each other. This segmentation allows each plate to be manufactured and calibrated independently, then assembled together. The parallel arrangement provides redundant measurement paths and enables averaging of measurements, improving precision while allowing tolerance accumulation rather than requiring perfect alignment of a single complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The two horizontal weighing plates act as intermediaries between the force-introduction section and the force-supporting section. They transmit the vertical load from the shelf panel through their parallel structures to the support section, distributing the force transmission path and reducing the impact of individual plate alignment errors on overall measurement accuracy
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
Enables precise determination of the center-of-mass coordinates and weight changes, allowing for accurate inventory management and automatic tracking of items removed or added from the shelf panel.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one weighing device includes: a force-introduction section; a linkage section; and a force-supporting section. The linkage section comprises two weighing plates extending horizontally and parallel to each other. The force-supporting section and the force-introduction section are at least partially formed of vertically extending metal plates.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf bracket assembly is mounted on a vertically disposed shelf upright, and has: at least one weighing device; an anchoring device; and a cantilever for supporting a shelf panel. In a condition where the shelf bracket assembly is mounted on the shelf upright, the cantilever projects from the shelf upright in a substantially horizontal direction. The cantilever has a vertically disposed metal plate. In a Cartesian coordinate system, an extent of the cantilever in a horizontal plane defines a Y-direction, a vertical direction defines a Z-direction, and a direction perpendicular to the Y-direction and the Z-direction defines an X-direction. The at least one weighing device includes: a force-introduction section; a linkage section; and a force-supporting section. The linkage section comprises two weighing plates extending horizontally and parallel to each other. The force-supporting section and the force-introduction section are at least partially formed of vertically extending metal plates.