Sliding Track Shelving for Adjustable Standard Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelving systems are not adjustable, making it difficult to customize the placement and configuration of shelves and brackets, limiting flexibility and adaptability in storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an adjustable shelving system comprising tracks and standards with sliding mechanisms, locking members, and a hang rod assembly, allowing for customizable positioning and secure attachment to walls, enabling flexible and adaptable storage arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard is fixedly mounted to a wall using screws, then the standard is securely fixed and stable, but the standard becomes non-adjustable and non-movable from its installed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed mounting system into a dynamic, adjustable one by introducing a track with a slotted head mounting screw configuration. The slot in the mounting screw head allows it to slide within the track's recessed slot, enabling the standard to be repositioned along the track while remaining securely mounted. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both stability through secure mounting and adjustability through slidable repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into separate functional components: the track mounted to the wall, the mounting screw with slot that interfaces with both the track and standard, and the standard itself. This segmentation allows the track to provide stable wall mounting while the slotted connection enables adjustable repositioning of the standard along the track length.
2Manufacturing precision
If a standard has fixed slots for bracket attachment, then the bracket positions are precisely determined, but the shelving configuration cannot be customized or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the bracket positioning system dynamic by allowing standards to be repositioned along the track at different locations. While each standard maintains precise slot positions for bracket attachment, the ability to move standards to different locations along the track enables customized shelving configurations to be created and reconfigured as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The track-and-standard system serves multiple functions: it provides secure wall mounting, enables adjustable positioning of standards along the track, and maintains precise bracket attachment points. This multi-functionality allows the same system to achieve both precision positioning and flexible customization.
3Strength
If shelving brackets are fixedly attached to standards, then the shelves are securely supported, but the shelving system cannot be reconfigured or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics to the shelving system by enabling standards to be slidably repositioned along the track. Shelving brackets remain firmly attached to standards for secure support, while the standards themselves can be moved to different positions along the track, allowing the entire shelving configuration to be reconfigured easily without compromising support strength.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a track allows slidable adjustment of standards, then the position of standards is adjustable and flexible, but the mounting mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the adjustment mechanism in a specific location - the mounting screw interface between the track and standard. The slot is localized to the mounting screw head, allowing slidable adjustment only at the mounting point while the rest of the shelving structure remains simple and straightforward. This localized approach enables adjustability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelving system is disclosed that includes two tracks and a standard. The standard has an end portion slidably receivable within an opening one of the tracks, such that the position of the standard relative to the track is slidably adjustable along that track. The rearward portion of each track defines a recess. An elongate member is slidably receivable within the recesses of the tracks such that each track is slidable along the elongate member, whereby the slidable engagement of the elongate member within the recesses of the tracks aligns the tracks and allows slidable adjustment of the relative positioning of the tracks to each other.