Shelf Clamping Mechanism Using Eccentric-Driven Plate Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelves with clamping means are complex to tension and do not meet aesthetic requirements, often failing to provide a secure and easy-to-use solution for attaching trays and cabinet elements to longitudinal profiles.
Innovation Solution
The clamping means are formed from two plate-shaped base bodies with clamping jaws that can be displaced via guide means, utilizing an eccentric mechanism to clamp against the longitudinal profile's side surfaces, allowing for secure attachment without predetermining the position and enhancing aesthetics by maintaining a smooth surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If clamping straps are used as clamping means and tensioned by means of screws, then the holding means can be attached to the longitudinal profile, but the clamping means become complex to tension and do not meet aesthetic requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the clamping mechanism from a screw-tensioning system to an eccentric-rotation system. The eccentric mechanism converts rotational motion into linear clamping motion, eliminating the need for screw threads and complex tensioning operations. This parameter change simplifies the operation to a single rotational motion while maintaining effective clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex screw-tensioning elements from the clamping means and replaces them with a simpler eccentric mechanism. By removing the screws, threads, and associated tensioning components, the design achieves both operational simplicity and aesthetic cleanliness, as the clamping action is achieved through the eccentric's offset rotation rather than threaded fasteners.
2Device complexity
If clamping straps are used as clamping means, then the holding means can be attached to the longitudinal profile, but the clamping means do not meet aesthetic requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the visually intrusive screw heads, threads, and tensioning components from the clamping means. The eccentric mechanism allows the clamping plates to be designed with cleaner, more aesthetic surfaces, as the clamping action is achieved through the eccentric's offset rotation rather than exposed threaded fasteners. This extraction of complex elements directly improves the aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using visible screws and straps that extend outward from the clamping interface, the patent inverts the approach by using an internal eccentric mechanism that generates clamping force from within. The clamping plates can be designed with smooth, aesthetic surfaces while the eccentric mechanism operates within the assembly, reversing the traditional visible-fastener approach.
3Adaptability or versatility
If holding elements are fixed at any position in the longitudinal profile without a grid, then flexibility is improved, but the clamping means must generate sufficient clamping force to secure the holding elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic eccentric mechanism that can generate high clamping forces through rotational motion. The eccentric's offset rotation creates a mechanical advantage that converts small rotational inputs into large linear clamping forces, enabling secure holding at any position along the longitudinal profile without requiring predetermined grid positions or complex positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentric mechanism utilizes the curved geometry of the eccentric body rotating within the clamping plate. This curved motion path naturally generates the high contact forces needed for secure clamping, as the rotating eccentric continuously applies force through its offset center, maintaining strong holding force at any positioned location along the profile.
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
This configuration simplifies the attachment process, generates large clamping forces for secure holding, and meets aesthetic requirements by ensuring a visually appealing design while allowing for flexible positioning and easy use.
Implementation Method 1
an axis of rotation of an eccentric is rotatably mounted in the first plate-shaped base body and the eccentric body protrudes into a recess in the second plate-shaped base body
Implementation Method 2
Large clamping forces can be generated via the eccentric, which ensures that the holding means are held securely on the longitudinal profile
Implementation Method 3
the clamping jaws are each provided with a second wedge surface corresponding to the first wedge surface. When the clamping jaws are clamped, large clamping forces can be achieved without great effort to clamp the clamping means
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A shelf comprises at least one vertically alignable longitudinal profile (1) to which holding means can be attached, in which trays, cupboard elements or other shelf elements can be inserted, which holding means can be clamped to the longitudinal profile (1) via clamping jaws (14). The clamping jaws (14) are attached to a first plate-shaped base body (12) and to a second plate-shaped base body (13), which are arranged lying one on top of the other and guided by guide means (16) and can be displaced in relation to one another, and as a result the clamping jaws (14) press against the side surfaces of the Longitudinal profile (1) can be clamped. An axis of rotation of an eccentric (21) is rotatably mounted in the first plate-shaped base body (12) to move the clamping jaws (14), the eccentric body protrudes into a recess (24) in the second plate-shaped base body (13). This gives a simply designed holding means that can be clamped in a simple manner on the longitudinal profile (1).