Stack Storage Corner Clamp for Stable Stand Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stacking bearing arrangements face challenges in achieving stable alignment and simple assembly of stands with frame arrangements, particularly due to variations in frame element thicknesses and the need for complex post-processing.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device that bridges the angle between the frame arrangement and the stand, featuring clamping areas tailored to different frame element thicknesses, allowing for easy assembly without the need for drilling and using a single type of connecting device for various frame elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a stand is connected to the frame arrangement using traditional joining methods (drilling, bolting), then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical joining methods (drilling, bolting) with a clamping mechanism that uses friction and normal force to secure the stand to the frame arrangement. The connecting device clamps against the frame arrangement to bridge the angle between them, eliminating the need for drilling holes and inserting joining elements, thus simplifying assembly while maintaining connection strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing through its clamping action. The device automatically adapts to the frame arrangement geometry and secures itself through the clamping force, without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional fastening operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If different types of connecting devices are used for frame elements of different thicknesses, then the connection precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidvariety of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal connecting device that can accommodate frame elements of different thicknesses through adjustable clamping areas. The connecting device has at least two different clamping areas adapted to different thicknesses, allowing a single device type to serve multiple functions across different frame configurations, thereby reducing component variety while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device incorporates adjustable or movable clamping surfaces that can adapt to varying frame element thicknesses. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same connecting device to maintain proper alignment and connection strength across different frame configurations without requiring multiple specialized device types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If complex post-processing is required for frame assembly and connecting devices, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the production time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame arrangement and connecting devices are designed with pre-integrated features such as pre-formed clamping surfaces, pre-positioned mounting areas, and pre-configured geometric relationships. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex post-processing operations like drilling, tapping, or precision machining after assembly, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while significantly improving production efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4238896B1Stack storage assembly
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • EP4238896B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4238896B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

A stacking storage arrangement is described, comprising at least one container receiving chamber, a loading chamber located below the container receiving chamber, a frame arrangement between the container receiving chamber and the loading chamber, and a stand (5) at at least one corner of the container receiving chamber, which is connected to the frame arrangement (4) by at least one connecting device (21, 33). The aim is to enable a stable alignment of the stand (5) with respect to the frame arrangement (4) in a simple manner. For this purpose, the connecting device (21, 33) is designed to bridge an angle between the frame arrangement (4) and the stand (5) and to clamp against the frame arrangement (4).