Stackable Shim Structure for Load-Bearing Fixture Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shims used for leveling gondola display fixtures in retail stores lack sufficient load capacity and stability, especially when dealing with uneven floors, and do not effectively anchor the fixtures to the ground.
Innovation Solution
The development of stackable shims with a recessed foot bed and protruding side featuring geometrically shaped cells and anchoring areas, allowing for increased load capacity and secure anchoring to the floor through adhesive and fasteners, enabling precise leveling and stabilization of display fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional flat shims are used, then the device complexity is low, but the load capacity and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shim is segmented into multiple functional zones: a foot bed region for load distribution, a body region with geometric cells for structural strength, and an engaging surface for anchoring. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function while maintaining overall structural integrity and load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the shim have different structural properties tailored to their specific functions. The foot bed has a recessed geometry for load distribution, the body contains geometric cells for strength-to-weight optimization, and the engaging surface has anchoring features. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing high load capacity where needed without unnecessarily complicating the entire structure.
2Reliability
If traditional shims without anchoring features are used, then the ease of operation is high, but the stability and anchoring capability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The shim merges multiple functions into a single component: load bearing, leveling, and anchoring. The engaging surface with anchoring features is integrated directly into the shim body, combining the functions of a traditional shim with anchoring elements. This integration provides enhanced stability while maintaining ease of operation as a single-piece installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shim serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides load distribution through the foot bed, structural strength through geometric cells, and secure anchoring through the engaging surface. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by delivering high reliability through stability while maintaining ease of operation through a unified, multi-functional component that eliminates the need for separate anchoring elements.
3Strength
If shims with increased load capacity are designed, then the strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shim incorporates a geometric cell structure within the body region, creating a controlled porous or honeycomb-like geometry. This structure provides high strength-to-weight ratio and load-bearing capability while being amenable to standard manufacturing processes such as injection molding or stamping. The geometric patterns are designed to be manufacturable using conventional techniques, resolving the contradiction between strength and manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The shim utilizes composite structural design combining solid regions (foot bed and engaging surface) with geometric cell regions. This composite approach optimizes material distribution to provide maximum strength where needed while reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity in less critical areas. The geometric cell patterns are designed to be integrated into standard manufacturing processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving superior load-bearing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A shim includes a main body defined by a main body outer perimeter and having a first surface and an opposing second surface. A pocket is located within the main body outer perimeter and is recessed from the first surface to provide a support surface. A protrusion is defined by a protrusion outer perimeter and is located within the main body outer perimeter. The protrusion protrudes from the second surface to an engaging surface. A plurality of geometrically shaped cells are located within the protrusion outer perimeter and are recessed from the engaging surface.