Shelf frame assembly system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf frame assembly systems require complex assembly processes with glue dams and screws, which can be cumbersome and not fully effective in preventing glue seepage and ensuring a secure, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective solution.
Innovation Solution
The proposed system employs quick connect construction features such as press-fitting components, tool-less assembly, and barbed components to securely attach side beams to vertical posts, using protrusions and recesses to resist horizontal withdrawal and ensure a secure fit without the need for glue or screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional assembly methods using glue dams and screws are employed, then joint strength and glue containment are improved, but assembly complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the glue dam component entirely from the assembly system. Instead of using separate glue dams to contain hot melt glue, the design integrates glue containment directly into the beam structure through recesses and channels, eliminating the need for additional components and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining joint strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the beam structure itself: the beams include integrated recesses for glue containment, channels for glue flow control, and positioning features for alignment. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate glue dams and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining reliable joints
2Object-generated harmful factors
If glue dams are used to prevent glue seepage, then clean interface and reduced cleanup are improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates glue containment features directly into the beam structure through recesses and channels. The recesses create clean interfaces by containing the glue within defined boundaries, while the channels control glue flow to prevent seepage. This eliminates the need for separate glue dam components while achieving the same harmful factor prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses integrated recesses and channels as intermediary structures within the beams to control glue behavior. These features act as built-in mediators that contain and direct the hot melt glue, preventing it from seeping out while maintaining a clean interface between components
3Reliability
If multiple components (glue dams, screws, fixtures) are used for assembly, then joint security is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes multiple components from the assembly system: glue dams are eliminated through integrated recesses, and screws are replaced with snap-fit mechanisms. This reduction in component count directly decreases assembly time and increases productivity while maintaining joint security through the simplified but effective snap-fit and integrated glue containment system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-aligning and self-securing features through the beam design. The recesses and positioning features automatically guide components into correct alignment during assembly, and the snap-fit mechanisms provide automatic locking without requiring additional fastening operations, thereby reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable joints
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 solution simplifies the assembly process, prevents glue seepage, and provides a secure, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective shelf frame system that can be easily expanded or modified to accommodate various loads.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the flexible portions temporarily flex inward toward each other and return to an original position in response to the barb on each of the flexible portions snapping onto a respective side edge of the opening
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A shelf frame assembly system includes a first vertical post that includes a plurality of openings, a side beam comprising a receiving bore, an end piece having a coupling portion and a receiving portion that includes a plurality of protrusions, and an end connector configured to be inserted into one of the plurality of openings. The end connector includes a plurality of recesses configured to receive the plurality of protrusions and a stop configured to make contact with at least one edge of the one of the plurality of openings. The receiving bore of the side beam is configured to receive the coupling portion of the end piece. The receiving portion of the side beam connector is configured to receive the end connector. Further, the plurality of protrusions are configured to resist a horizontal withdrawal of the side beam connector from the end connector.