Concealed Shelf Support Locking With Elastic Groove Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shelf support devices are difficult to fit, require precise slot creation, and have visible locking mechanisms, making them cumbersome and aesthetically unpleasing.

Innovation Solution

A support device with a base element featuring an elongated shape and a protruding second portion with elastically yielding locator elements that fit into a groove on the shelf, providing secure attachment without visible locking means and eliminating the need for threaded elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If threaded elements or pins with slots are used for locking, then secure attachment is achieved, but the fitting process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidfitting process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to be movable relative to the base element, transitioning between a locked position (engaged with the shelf) and an unlocked position (disengaged). This dynamic mechanism allows simple push-to-lock operation without threads or precise slot alignment, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of fitting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element automatically engages with the shelf groove when the shelf is inserted and can be released by simple lateral movement. The system performs the locking and unlocking functions automatically through its mechanical design, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners or complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional locking means are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the locking means remain visible and aesthetically unpleasing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is extracted from the visible exterior of the base element and positioned within an internal cavity. Only the essential supporting portion remains visible, while the locking mechanism is hidden inside, achieving both secure attachment and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is nested within the base element structure, specifically positioned in a cavity inside the base element. This nesting conceals the locking mechanism while maintaining its functional integrity, resolving the aesthetic contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If multiple precise slots are created on the shelf, then pin-based locking works, but the manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanismVSAvoidslot precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional parts: the locking element with locating protrusions, the base element with cavity, and the shelf with groove. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, eliminating the need for highly precise slot creation while maintaining reliable locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating precise slots in the shelf to receive pins, the invention inverts the approach by having the locking element with protrusions engage with a simple groove on the shelf. This inversion eliminates the need for precise slot machining while achieving the same locking reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 easy, secure, and aesthetically pleasing shelf attachment with integrated locking mechanisms that are not visible from the outside, simplifying installation and enhancing the shelf's appearance.

Implementation Method 1

the locking means (4) comprise at least an elastically yielding locator element (9)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2994014B1Device for the support of shelves and the like

Publication Date: 2018.10.03 F A S SRL

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Figure 4~5

AI summary

A device (1) for the support of shelves and the like, comprises at least a base element (2) having fastening means (3) to a supporting 'structure and removable locking means (4) with a shelf (5), where the base element (2) comprises a first portion (2a) intended to be placed, during use, externally to the shelf (5) and a second portion (2b) protruding from the first portion (2a) and which can be introduced inside a groove (7) obtained in the shelf itself, said, first and second portions (2a, 2b) having an elongated shape, and where the locking means (4) comprise at least an elastically yielding locator element (9), associated with the second portion (2b) and inclined with respect to the longitudinal extension thereof to define a fin, the locator element (9) being suitable for cooperating with the inner wall of said groove (7) to allow the relative movement of the shelf (5) with respect to the base element (2) along a direction of introduction (11) substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the second portion (2b) and to prevent the movement thereof in the opposite direction.