Sales Shelf Cover Strip Spacing for Concealed Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sales shelves face difficulties in laying cables for power consumers that are spatially distant from the power source, as it becomes challenging to route cables invisibly without impairing product presentation and risking tripping or floor cleaning, and existing solutions either require special shelves or unclear cable routing methods.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of spacer elements between the cover strip and vertical supports creates a vertical gap for cable laying, allowing cables to traverse the supports while being concealed by the cover strip, without necessitating new socket installations or structural changes to the shelves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable is laid on the floor of the shop, then the power connection is achieved, but the risk of tripping and floor cleaning interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing is moved from the horizontal floor plane to the vertical space between the cover strip and rear wall. The spacer element creates a vertical gap that allows the cable to traverse upward through the shelf structure, concealing it from the floor level where it would cause tripping hazards.
2Ease of operation
If the cable is routed through the shelf structure, then the cable becomes invisible and safe, but the shelf structure must be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf structure is segmented by introducing a separate spacer element that is inserted between the cover strip and the rear wall. This modular component creates the cable passage without requiring modification of the main shelf structure, allowing the cable to be routed through a dedicated channel formed by the spacer.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the cover strip and the rear wall, creating a gap that accommodates the cable. This intermediary structure allows cable routing without directly modifying either the cover strip or the rear wall.
3Shape
If a continuous cover strip is used, then the upper shelf finish is achieved, but the cable routing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element serves as an intermediary that is positioned between the continuous cover strip and the rear wall, creating a vertical gap that allows cable passage. The cover strip remains continuous and maintains the shelf finish, while the spacer provides the necessary opening for cable routing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sales shelf comprising at least two vertical supports (1, 2, 3) spaced apart along the shelf length and preferably having at least one back panel (5, 6), wherein the vertical supports (1, 2, 3) support several shelves (4) arranged one above the other, which project at least on one side, preferably on both sides, from the back panel (5, 6) and wherein the vertical supports (1, 2, 3) and the preferably provided back panels (5, 6) are crossed at their upper ends by a cover strip (7, 8). It is essential that spacer elements (10, 11) are arranged between the cover strip (7, 8) and the vertical supports (1, 2, 3), which create a gap sufficient for cable laying between the cover strip (7, 8) on the one hand and the vertical supports (1, 2, 3) on the other hand, and that the spacer elements (10, 11) are themselves traversable by at least one cable (31, 32) at approximately the level of the gap formed.