Shelf Support Collar and Collet Lock for Adjustable Shelving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular shelving structures face challenges in providing a secure and adjustable shelf support system that is both cost-effective and simple to manufacture, often relying on complex gripping and fastening devices and tapered members for wedging effects.
Innovation Solution
A shelf support system featuring a tapered collet diverging from top to bottom for engaging a shelf post, a collet lock for arresting downward movement, and a shelf support collar for secure engagement, with optional longitudinal splitting for easy installation and a lip for additional security, using cylindrical and circularly cylindrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gripping and fastening devices with beads and grooves are used, then secure engagement is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to machining requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex gripping features (beads and grooves) from the tapered member and replaces them with a simple collar that has a reduced diameter portion. This extraction of unnecessary complexity maintains the secure engagement function while dramatically simplifying manufacturing, as the collar can be formed without machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the collar, specifically creating a reduced diameter portion that fits within the tapered member. This parameter change allows the collar to provide secure engagement through its interaction with the tapered geometry rather than through complex surface features, simplifying both design and manufacturing.
2Reliability
If complex locking devices are used to ensure secure engagement, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function into the interaction between the simple collar and the tapered member. The collar's reduced diameter portion engages with the tapered geometry, and the collet lock interacts with the collar to prevent removal. This merging of functions into simple geometric interactions eliminates the need for separate complex locking devices while maintaining secure engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered member serves multiple functions: it provides the wedge effect for secure engagement, defines the positioning geometry for the collar, and works with the collet lock to prevent removal. This multi-functionality of the tapered member eliminates the need for separate complex locking devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable shelf height is implemented, then versatility improves, but the number of parts and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar and tapered member assembly serves as a universal interface that works with shelves at any height position along the post. The same components provide both the adjustable positioning function and the secure engagement function, eliminating the need for different parts at different heights and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is pre-formed with the reduced diameter portion that fits within the tapered member, and the collet lock is designed to engage with the collar. These preliminary preparations allow for quick assembly and adjustment without requiring complex operations during installation, maintaining simplicity while enabling versatility.
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
The system provides a secure, adjustable, and cost-effective shelf support solution that allows for easy installation and adjustment of shelves without disturbing existing ones, using a combination of tapered collets, collet locks, and collars to ensure stability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
Many approaches use tapered members (referred to as frustro-conical when complementing a circular cylindrical support post) to create a wedging effect to secure the posts.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf support system including a collet lock for engaging a hole in the shelf post for arresting downward movement of a shelf support collar on the post.