Shelf Fastening Mechanism With Rotating Lock for Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for shelves on furniture pieces are either unsuitable for glass or crystal shelves due to vibration-induced detachment, or they complicate shelf installation and removal, especially when doors are present, and are difficult to manufacture and use.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with a support body and a rotating fixing element that can be locked in place without tools, allowing easy installation and removal of shelves, even with doors, and preventing accidental detachment during transportation, featuring elastomeric retaining means and a locking mechanism for secure grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple peg support is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but glass or crystal shelves can separate due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into two main segments: a C-shaped support portion and a separate locking element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the C-shape provides structural support while the locking element provides vibration resistance through adjustable pressure, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adaptation to different shelf weights and vibration conditions. The adjustable locking mechanism can apply varying degrees of pressure to secure glass or crystal shelves firmly, preventing separation during vibrations while maintaining ease of manufacture through a simple adjustment feature.
2Reliability
If a C-shaped support with rubber pads and adjusting screw is used, then shelf attachment reliability improves, but installation and removal become complicated when doors are present
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to shelf installation by allowing the shelf to be positioned vertically onto the support device, rather than requiring horizontal sliding. This dimensional change enables installation even when horizontal movement is blocked by doors, while maintaining secure attachment through the adjustable locking element that presses vertically on the shelf.
3Ease of operation
If a vertically locking mechanism is used, then installation ease improves, but shelf detachment can occur during transportation due to vertical vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The support device combines the C-shaped structural support portion with elastomeric retaining means (rubber pads) on the locking element. This composite structure provides both the mechanical advantage of vertical installation and the vibration-damping properties of elastomeric materials, preventing shelf detachment during transportation while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric retaining means act as an intermediary between the locking element and the shelf, providing a compliant interface that absorbs vertical vibrations during transportation. This intermediary layer prevents direct rigid contact that could lead to detachment, while still maintaining secure holding through the combination of vertical locking and elastomeric pressure.
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
Enables secure, tool-free installation and removal of shelves, preventing accidental detachment during transportation, and simplifies manufacturing and user operation while ensuring safety and practicality.
Implementation Method 1
A possible solution to comply with the above-stated safety requirement is to apply a pair of rubber pads on the facing surfaces of said device; in this manner, when the shelf is installed, the shelf can be 'sandwiched' tightly between said pair of rubber pads
Implementation Method 2
locking means are then provided to press the engaging means and the rack portion and to fasten them in their reciprocal position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~4B
AI summary
The present invention refers to a fastening device (1) for furniture shelves or wall shelves comprising: an L-shaped body member (2) for supporting a shelf (R), said body member (2) being connectable to an inner surface of a piece of furniture (F) or to a wall, and a fixing element (4) associable with said body member (2), said fixing element (4) being movable between a raised position and a lowered position. In particular, said fixing element (4) is rotatably associated with said body member (2) to move between said raised position and said lowered position, a locking element (5) comprising locking means (50) being slidably associated with said fixing element (4) and movable between an unlocking position and a locking position, wherein said fixing element (4) is in the lowered position.