Shelf Support With LED Bar Housing for Universal Divider Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point of sale shelving systems require different dividers and fronts for wire and metal sheet shelves, leading to increased manufacturing and inventory costs and logistical challenges, as well as the mutual exclusivity of using LED bars and dividers/fronts.
Innovation Solution
A support system made of plastics that can be fixed to wire shelves, allowing the use of the same dividers and fronts on both metal sheet and wire shelves, even when LED bars are present, through a snap-fitting mechanism that provides stability and houses LED bars optionally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different dividers and fronts are used for wire and metal sheet shelves, then each shelf type can have optimized accessories, but the number of stocked item codes increases and inventory costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The support is designed with a universal attachment mechanism that can be fixed to both wire shelves and metal sheet shelves using the same snap-fitting system. The support structure accommodates different shelf types through its C-shaped profile that can engage with wire grids or metal edges, allowing a single divider/front design to serve multiple shelf types without requiring separate accessory inventories
Solution Approach 2:
The support acts as an intermediary component between the shelf structure and the divider/front accessories. By providing a standardized interface (the support with its specific attachment mechanism), it mediates between different shelf types and universal accessories, enabling compatibility without requiring the accessories themselves to be customized for each shelf type
2Use of energy by moving object
If LED bars are fixed to shelves, then lighting functionality is provided, but the installation becomes more complex and dividers/fronts cannot be easily installed
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent functional modules: the support (which can be fixed with or without LED bars), and the divider/front accessories. The support serves as a separate mounting platform that can accommodate LED bars independently, while dividers and fronts attach to the support structure. This segmentation allows LED lighting and divider installation to occur independently without interfering with each other
Solution Approach 2:
The support provides an additional dimensional layer between the shelf and the accessories. By creating this intermediate mounting surface, the system adds a new dimension for accessory attachment that is independent of the shelf structure itself, allowing dividers and fronts to be installed on the support rather than directly on the shelf, thus avoiding conflicts with LED bar installation
3Strength
If dividers and fronts are installed on wire shelves directly, then accessories are secured, but the wire shelf structure is compromised and aesthetics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support serves as an intermediary mounting structure that interfaces with the wire shelf through its C-shaped profile designed to engage with wire grids. This intermediary structure provides a solid mounting surface for dividers and fronts without requiring direct modification or compromise of the wire shelf structure, thereby maintaining both accessory security and aesthetic appearance of the original shelf
4Quantity of substance
If the same dividers and fronts are used on both metal sheet and wire shelves, then inventory costs are reduced, but the attachment mechanism must work with both shelf types
Solution Approach 1:
The support is designed with universal adaptability to work with both metal sheet shelves and wire shelves through its C-shaped profile and snap-fitting mechanism. The same support design can engage with metal edges or wire grids, providing a unified attachment system that accommodates different shelf types without requiring design variations
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable parameters in its design, particularly the C-shaped profile dimensions and snap-fit engagement points, which can accommodate variations in shelf thickness and wire spacing. This parameter flexibility allows the same support design to adapt to different shelf types while maintaining consistent accessory attachment capabilities
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Support (9, 59) comprising a recess (15) for the housing and supporting of an optional LED bar (8) characterized in that it comprises at least a terminal (20, 19, 21) of elastic fitting and at least a coupling seat (14). Said support (9, 59) in combination with: - front walls called fronts (7, 87) provided with at least one foot (12) and/or - dividing walls called dividers (6, 86) provided with at least one foot (12), and/or - one shelf (1) made of a set of wires (2) connected to each other by transversal reinforcing stiffeners (3).