Shelf Connector Assembly for Parallel Board Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelf connectors are not stable when multiple shelves are used in parallel, tend to collapse, and require disassembly to add additional shelf boards, which reduces practicability and stability.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a semi-cylindrical concave and protruding hook portions that can directly attach to shelf collars, allowing for parallel assembly of external boards without disassembly, featuring a hollow cushion to prevent sticking and accommodate varying collar sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional shelf boards are used to connect two shelves, then the shelves can be connected, but the shelves must be disassembled first which wastes time and reduces practicability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a collar engagement portion that attaches to existing shelf collars, and a protruding portion with hook portions that connects to the external board. This segmentation allows the connector to interface with existing shelf components without requiring disassembly, while the hollow cushion member within the protruding portion provides additional adaptability for different connection scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If straps are used to bind shelves together, then the shelves can be connected, but the structure is not firm enough and easy to collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-configured with a rigid body structure that includes a collar engagement portion designed to securely attach to existing shelf collars, and a protruding portion with hook portions positioned to engage with external boards. This preliminary structural configuration ensures firm connection without requiring additional fastening elements like straps, thereby maintaining structural stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional shelf boards are used to connect shelves, then the shelves can be connected, but the additional boards cannot be assembled at the same height level as existing shelf boards
Solution Approach 1:
The connector serves as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between existing shelf collars and external boards. The collar engagement portion attaches to existing shelf collars at any height level, while the protruding portion with hook portions provides connection points for external boards. This intermediary structure allows external boards to be assembled at the same height level as existing shelf boards without requiring disassembly or special accommodation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If connectors are designed to firmly connect shelves, then stability is improved, but the connectors may stick to collars during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow cushion member is incorporated into the protruding portion of the connector as a preventive measure. During normal operation, this hollow space provides cushioning that maintains firm connection stability. During disassembly, the hollow cushion member prevents the connector from sticking to the collar by providing a slight clearance or cushioning effect, allowing for easy removal without damage or excessive force.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for shelf assembly may comprise at least a connector having a semi-cylindrical concave formed at a lateral edge thereof, and a first hook portion and a second hook portion respectively protrude from two lateral ends of the inner edge of the concave. When the connector is applied to a shelf, the first hook portion and the second hook portion thereof are configured to respectively hook on two adjacent edges of a shelf board of the shelf which are perpendicular to each other. Each of the connectors can be directly coupled with a collar of the shelf board such that an external board can be assembled between the two shelves without dissembling process. Also, the external board can be assembled parallel with the shelf boards on the two shelves, which improves the practicability and stability of the assembled shelves with the external board when in use.