Slot-and-Coupling Post Assembly for Tool-Free Shelf Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelf assemblies face issues with assembling stability and convenience, including inconvenient assembly processes, insecure connections leading to instability, and difficulties in expanding or replacing components due to height differences and brittle clamping sleeves.
Innovation Solution
A post and deck combination featuring hollow vertical posts with slots at different heights, coupling boards with insertion grooves, and columnar coupling members with decreasing diameters and inclined guiding faces, allowing for secure and adjustable assembly without bolts and nuts, and accommodating easy replacement and expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolts and nuts are used to assemble vertical posts and horizontal beams, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of assembly deteriorates due to the complex threading connection process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threading connection mechanism (nuts and bolt threading) from the assembly process. Instead, it uses simple insertion of coupling members through slots and engagement with positioning portions, extracting the problematic threading step while maintaining connection strength through the coupling member's design with inclined guiding faces and stopper faces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a columnar portion for insertion through slots, a first section with smaller diameter for positioning, a second section with larger diameter for receiving, and inclined guiding faces. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, achieving both strong connection and easy assembly.
2Ease of operation
If clamping sleeves are used to clamp vertical posts, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to brittleness over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the coupling member from brittle material (like the clamping sleeves) to ductile material that can undergo deformation. The coupling member is made of metal or other ductile material that can bend and deform without breaking, transforming the reliability characteristic from time-dependent brittleness to durable ductility.
3Device complexity
If the support board rests on vertical beams by weight, then the simplicity of structure is improved, but the stability deteriorates due to displacement and falling under impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support function with the coupling function. The coupling member not only connects the deck to the vertical post but also provides positioning through the positioning portion and securing through the stopper faces. This merging eliminates the need for separate support mechanisms while enhancing stability against displacement and impact.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the lowest deck is positioned at the bottommost layer, then the structure completeness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to retrieve without removing upper decks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into independent coupling members that can be individually removed. Each coupling member connects a specific deck to a vertical post, allowing the lowest deck to be accessed and removed independently by simply removing its coupling members, without needing to remove upper decks. This segmentation enables independent access to any level.
Data Source
AI summary
A post and deck combination for a shelf assembly includes a hollow vertical post having an outer wall with slots at different heights. Each slot has a positioning portion. A coupling board is disposed on an edge of a deck and includes a first insertion groove. A coupling member includes a columnar portion interconnected between first and second ends thereof and having a first section with a diameter smaller than a width of each positioning portion and a second section received in the first insertion groove. The coupling member extends through one of the slots. The positioning portion of the one of the slots is located at the first section. The first insertion groove is coupled with the first end of the coupling member. A first receiving end of the first insertion groove is located on an inclined guiding face of the second section.