Snap-Fit Storage Shelf Assembly to Eliminate Tool-Based Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combined storage shelves require locking screws and tools for assembly, making the process inconvenient and difficult, especially when assembling wooden boards, and lack a structural design for efficient assembly.
Innovation Solution
A combined storage shelf design that uses snap-fit connection and combination fasteners and beam structures, allowing for tool-free assembly and horizontal connection of columns, enabling flexible and stable assembly without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If locking screws and tools are used to assemble the storage shelf, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-locking mechanical system with a snap-fit connection system. The connection fasteners include positioning structures that engage with corresponding holes in the column combinations, eliminating the need for screws, locks, and assembly tools while maintaining connection strength through precise geometric fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection fasteners are designed with self-positioning and self-locking features. The positioning structures automatically align with the assembly holes and engage through elastic deformation of the snap-fit portions, allowing the assembly process to be self-service without requiring external tools or complex locking operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional assembly methods are used, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into modular components: connection fasteners with positioning structures, column combinations with assembly holes, and beam structures with corresponding engagement features. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while achieving overall structural stability through their coordinated interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection fasteners serve multiple functions simultaneously: positioning (through positioning structures), connecting (through snap-fit portions), and stabilizing (through engagement with beam structures). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If screw lock tools are used for assembling wooden boards, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw-locking system with a snap-fit connection system that provides inherent positioning through the geometric design of the positioning structures and assembly holes. This eliminates the need for precision drilling and screw installation while maintaining accurate positioning through the interlocking geometry of the components.
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
The design simplifies and stabilizes the assembly process, allowing for easy adjustment and flexibility in assembly, reducing the complexity and effort required for assembling the storage shelf.
Implementation Method 1
The snap-fit portion is snapped to a corresponding assembly hole, to fasten the first connection and combination fastener to the column combination
Data Source
AI summary
A combined storage shelf, including column combinations, connection and combination fasteners, beam structures, and storage layers. The column combinations include assembly holes. A snap-fit portion of a first connection and combination fastener is snapped to an assembly hole, to fix the first connection and combination fastener to the column combination. The engagement structure of the second connection and combination fastener corresponds to the engagement structure of the first connection and combination fastener, so that the first connection and combination fastener and the second connection and combination fastener are assembled together.