Shelf Profile Insert With Contact Surfaces for Stable Wall Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shelving systems lack an efficient and aesthetically pleasing solution for supporting and securing wall elements while allowing for the insertion of plug-in objects, which affects the system's stability and appearance.

Innovation Solution

A shelving system with an insertion device featuring a profile that includes a first support member, a contact device, and protruding areas on the side walls, allowing for the secure attachment of wall elements and enabling the insertion of plug-in objects with electrical contact, while maintaining a sleek design through the use of materials like wood, glass, or metal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a traditional profile rail system with mounting struts is used, then wall elements can be attached, but the system lacks aesthetic appeal and cannot provide secure support for wall elements while allowing plug-in object insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidsupport capability for wall elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The front wall is merged with the side walls to form protruding areas that serve dual purposes: providing contact surfaces for wall element support and maintaining the sleek aesthetic design. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting struts while preserving both structural support and visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protruding areas formed by the front wall and side walls serve multiple functions: they provide contact surfaces for supporting wall elements, maintain aesthetic appearance, and create structural frameworks that allow insertion of plug-in objects. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between aesthetic design and support capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the front wall is designed with a slot-like opening for plug-in objects, then insertion functionality is enabled, but the structural integrity for supporting wall elements may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion functionalityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The front wall is segmented into protruding areas that form contact surfaces and slot-like openings. This segmentation allows the structure to provide both support functions (through contact surfaces) and insertion functions (through openings) while maintaining overall structural integrity through the distributed framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slot-like openings are nested within the framework formed by the front wall and side walls. This nesting allows plug-in objects to be inserted through the openings while the surrounding framework maintains structural integrity and provides support for wall elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Strength

If protruding areas are added to side walls for wall element support, then support capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewall element support capabilityVSAvoidprofile structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structures are merged with the front wall and side walls themselves, forming protruding areas that are integral parts of the profile. This eliminates the need for separate mounting struts or brackets, thereby improving support capability while avoiding additional complexity from separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3155935B1Shelf system for presentation of goods comprising a suspension device
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 SHOP SYST GMBH
  • EP3155935B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3155935B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3155935B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Insertion device (40) for a shelving system for the presentation of goods, consisting of a profile (1) which comprises a first support member and a contact device (31), the profile (1) having a first interior space (2) which is on a first side of a rear wall (3) comprising a retaining member (28), a second side of the first cavity (2) being formed by a first side wall (4) and a third side of the first cavity (2) being formed by a second side wall (5). and wherein a fixing element is arranged on a side surface of the first and/or the second side wall (4, 5) facing the first interior space (2) and is designed in such a way that the contact device (31) is arranged thereon. The fourth side of the first interior space (2) is formed by a front wall (6) which is arranged opposite the rear wall and has a slit-like opening (9). The insertion device (40) is characterized in that the front wall (6) has protruding areas in the direction of the opposite first or second side wall (4, 5) on the first and second side wall (4, 5) and the front wall (6 ) includes a contact surface for a first wall element.