Shelf Bracket Spring-Latching Mechanism for Tool-Free Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf supports for insertion into shelf posts often require complex positioning and fixation, especially when changing equipment, and existing solutions either lack secure fixation or require additional screw connections, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A shelf support with a spring element on the rear side that latches with a complementary latching element on the shelf post, allowing for easy positioning and secure fixation without the need for additional screw connections, featuring a bore with a thread for additional stability and attachment options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shelf support is fixed to the shelf post using screw connections, then the fixation is secure and reliable, but the positioning and repositioning process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf support employs a dynamic latching mechanism where the support can be easily inserted and latched into position, and just as easily unlatched and repositioned. The latching element engages with the profile through a simple pushing motion, allowing the support to be dynamically adjusted without complex tools or procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the fixation function from the shelf support itself and transfers it to the profile through the latching mechanism. The latching element takes out the need for additional fixation components by directly engaging with the profile's latching feature, simplifying the overall system
2Ease of operation
If a sliding block with spring element is used to facilitate positioning, then the positioning effort is reduced, but the support element requires additional fixation outside the profile
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the positioning function and the fixation function into a single integrated latching mechanism. The same latching element that facilitates easy positioning also provides the fixation, eliminating the need for separate fixation components outside the profile
Solution Approach 2:
The latching element acts as an intermediary between the shelf support and the profile, providing both the positioning assistance through its engagement mechanism and the fixation through its latching action, without requiring additional external fixation components
3Ease of operation
If the shelf support is designed for easy repositioning without fixation, then the ease of operation improves, but the load-bearing capacity and security decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism provides a dynamic solution where the shelf support can be easily repositioned by unlatching and relatching, while the engaged latching element ensures adequate load-bearing capacity when fixed in position. The spring element provides continuous prestress to maintain secure engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element's prestress force changes the engagement parameters between the latching element and the profile, ensuring sufficient friction and mechanical interlocking to support loads while allowing easy release when force is applied to overcome the spring prestress
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 easy positioning and secure fixation of the shelf support within the shelf post, allowing for flexible repositioning and enhanced load-bearing capacity without the need for additional screw connections, facilitating efficient adjustment and attachment of shelves or containers.
Implementation Method 1
the shelf support (1) has a spring element (2) arranged on a rear side of the shelf support (1) facing the shelf post (8), against the action of which the shelf support (1) can be fixed in the undercut (9)
Implementation Method 2
at least one latching element (3, 3') is arranged on a front side of the shelf support (1) facing away from the shelf post (8), under the effect of the spring element (2) with which the latching element (3, 3') can be latched with a complementary latching element of the shelf post (8)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a shelf support (1) for insertion into an undercut (9) of a shelf upright (8), with a spring element (2) arranged on the rear side facing the shelf upright (8) against the action of which the shelf support (1) can be fixed in the undercut (9). The objective of providing a shelf support that can be inserted into a shelf upright and allows for easy positioning of the shelf support is achieved by the shelf support (1) having at least one locking element on the front side facing away from the shelf upright (8), which, under the action of the spring element (2), locks into a complementary locking element of the shelf upright (8).