Shelf Holder with Resilient Element for Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing noise reduction systems for load carriers, such as trolleys, compromise the stability of loaded goods due to the use of resilient materials that allow goods to shift and generate noise, especially when the trolleys are moved on uneven surfaces or when shelves are empty.

Innovation Solution

A holder with a resilient element is integrated into the notch of the pillar, allowing the carrier face to only contact the pillar when the shelf is loaded, compressing the resilient element to absorb vibrations and reduce noise, while minimizing wear and maintaining durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If a resilient material is used to reduce noise, then noise from empty shelves is reduced, but the stability of loaded goods is reduced causing goods to bob up and down

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise from shelvesVSAvoidstability of loaded goods
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The holder system transitions from a static resilient material configuration to a dynamic system where the carrier face makes selective contact with the pillar based on load conditions. When the shelf is empty, the carrier face does not contact the pillar, allowing noise reduction. When goods are loaded, the carrier face contacts the pillar, providing stability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between noise reduction and goods stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the carrier face continuously contacts the pillar, then stability of loaded goods is maintained, but noise from empty shelves increases and wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of loaded goodsVSAvoidnoise from shelves
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holder design implements local quality by creating a selective contact mechanism where the carrier face only contacts the pillar in specific conditions (when loaded). This localized contact approach allows different parts of the operation cycle to have different contact characteristics: no contact when empty (noise reduction) and contact when loaded (stability), thereby resolving the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a resilient material is used for noise reduction, then noise is reduced, but wear and durability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise from shelvesVSAvoiddurability of holder
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the resilient material from the direct load-bearing path between the carrier face and pillar. Instead of using resilient material to continuously cushion the connection, the system uses the resilient material only for noise reduction when the shelf is empty, while allowing direct rigid contact when loaded. This separation of functions preserves durability while maintaining noise reduction benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 effectively reduces noise from shelves by absorbing vibrations only when the shelf is loaded, ensuring the stability and durability of the load carrier and minimizing noise during empty or loaded conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the resilient element is compressed when a load of goods is loaded onto the shelf and hereby a direct contact is created between the carrier face of the notch and the pillar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the resilient element is compressed when a load of goods is loaded onto the shelf and hereby a direct contact is created between the carrier face of the notch and the pillar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP2340978B1A system for the mounting of shelves and the reduction of noise
Publication Date: 2017.01.25 CONTAINER CENTRALEN AS
  • EP2340978B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2340978B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2340978B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A holder (20) for the reduction of noise from a shelf mounted on the pillars (50) of a load carrier by means of holders. The holder is introduced into complementary slots in the pillars (50) and is configured with a notch (22) having a carrier face. Hereby the holder is able to engage with the slot in such a manner that the holder has bearing on the pillar. The holder comprises a resilient element (30) arranged in the notch to the effect that the resilient element (30) causes the carrier face to not enter into contact with the pillar when the shelf is not loaded with goods; and that the resilient element is compressed when a load of goods is loaded onto the shelf.