Adjustable Back Panel Mounting in Shelving Uprights for Depth Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelving units with double back panels are cumbersome, limiting the depth for product display and requiring new shelves for depth adjustments, as they are typically designed with fixed slot arrangements that do not allow for intermediate variations in depth.
Innovation Solution
A shelving unit design featuring vertical uprights with a dual slot arrangement, including central and lateral slots, allowing the back panel to be mounted in different configurations, enabling flexible positioning and increasing the usable space for product display without the need for new shelves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If double back panels with box structure are used, then sturdiness and stiffness are improved, but the depth for product display is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single metal sheet with ribs instead of a box structure, creating a thin yet stiff back panel that provides necessary strength while minimizing depth occupation. The ribbed structure acts as a flexible shell that maintains rigidity without requiring bulky construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The back panel combines a single metal sheet with rib structures to create a composite form that achieves high stiffness-to-depth ratio. The ribs are formed from the same metal sheet material, creating a unified composite structure that is both strong and space-efficient.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed slot arrangements are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability for different depths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slot arrangement is segmented into multiple groups (first group with central slots, second group with lateral slots) at different positions along the upright. This segmentation allows the back panel to be mounted at different depths while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized slot designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed slot arrangement to a dynamic configuration where slots are provided at multiple positions (central and lateral groups) allowing the back panel mounting position to be adjusted along the upright according to display depth requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate depth variations are required, then adaptability is improved, but the need for new shelves increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The upright is designed with universal multi-functionality by incorporating both central and lateral slots that can accommodate different back panel mounting positions. This allows the same shelving unit to be adapted for various depths without requiring different shelf components, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in mounting position by providing slots at different locations (central and lateral groups) along the upright. This allows adjustment of the back panel position parameter without changing the fundamental structure or requiring new shelves, achieving intermediate depth variations through parameter variation rather than structural replacement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A shelving unit comprises at least one pair of vertical uprights (11), each having a side wall (20) intended to face the side wall (20) of the adjacent upright of the pair, at least one back panel (12) adapted to be hooked in a vertical position to the adjacent uprights (11) of the pair of uprights and at least one shelf (13) to be fixed to the uprights (11). The side walls (20) of the uprights (11) are equipped with a slots arrangement (18) for hanging the back panel (12) and the back panel (12) has, at its side edges, hooking lugs (17, 17') projecting laterally to engage in said slots of the slots arrangement (18) present in the side walls (20) of the uprights (11). Said slots arrangement (18) comprises a first group of slots (21) extending vertically in a central position along the side wall (20) of the upright (11) and at least one further group of slots (22) extending vertically in a lateral position with respect to said first group of central slots (21), along one of the edges of the upright (11).