Split Tapered Coupling Member for Removable Middle Shelf Boards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly shelves require inconvenient middle shelf board removal operations, as users must remove upper shelf board members to access and reposition the middle shelf board, complicating the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A coupling member with two interlocking members, each featuring a first tapered section that increases in diameter and a second tapered section that slopes inward, allowing the middle shelf board to be removed and repositioned without affecting other shelf boards, by supporting the shelf board within a half area of the coupling member when viewed from the front side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single post with tapered sleeve is used to couple shelf boards, then assembly is simplified and design is improved, but middle shelf board removal requires removing upper shelf boards making it inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is divided into two separate members: a first member with a first tapered section and a second member with a second tapered section. These members are fitted to each other to hold the post from either side, creating segmented coupling zones that allow independent access to different shelf boards without requiring removal of upper boards.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a diametrical direction dimension to the coupling structure. By positioning the first and second tapered sections within half areas of the coupling member in the diametrical direction, the structure creates lateral separation of coupling zones, enabling middle shelf board access from the side without interfering with upper shelf boards.
2Ease of operation
If the coupling member supports the shelf board within half area in diametrical direction, then middle shelf board can be removed independently, but the coupling structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second tapered sections are positioned asymmetrically within the coupling member, each occupying a half area in the diametrical direction. This asymmetric arrangement allows the shelf board to be supported at specific lateral positions, enabling middle shelf board removal while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that avoids full circumferential complexity.
3Ease of operation
If two members are fitted to hold the post from either side, then middle shelf board access is improved, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second tapered sections are fitted to each other to form an integrated coupling assembly that holds the post from either side. By merging these two members into a coordinated unit that works together, the structure achieves middle shelf board accessibility without requiring completely separate coupling mechanisms for each shelf board.
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
Enables easy assembly and allows for the position of the middle shelf board in a multi-stage assembly to be changed by simply removing and resetting it, facilitating the assembly process and improving user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
each of the two members including a first tapered section that gradually increases in diameter in a downward direction, and a second tapered section that gradually slopes inward in the downward direction
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling member includes two members that are fitted to each other to hold a post from either side, each of the two members including a first tapered section that gradually increases in diameter in a downward direction, and a second tapered section that gradually slopes inward in the downward direction, and the first tapered section of one member among the two members and the second tapered section of another member among the two members being disposed within the half area of the coupling member in the diametrical direction when viewed from the front side when the coupling member is fitted to the post. An assembly shelf includes the coupling member. Since the assembly shelf is configured so that one shelf board member is supported within the half area of the coupling member in the diametrical direction when viewed from the front side, the assembly shelf can be easily assembled, and a middle shelf board member can be removed from the assembly shelf.