Storage Shelf Base With Concentric Grooves to Prevent Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage shelf bases experience uneven load distribution leading to high frictional forces and potential jamming due to unevenly distributed loads, causing unreliable operation.
Innovation Solution
The storage shelf base features closed, circumferential running grooves on both the support plate and storage shelf, with additional outer grooves that enclose the inner ones, reducing frictional forces by up to 50% and ensuring even force distribution, along with a tilting protection element to prevent tilting movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single running groove is used in the bearing surfaces, then the structure is simple, but uneven load distribution causes high frictional forces and potential jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The single running groove is segmented into two concentric running grooves (first and second running grooves) that are distributed along the circumferential direction. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple grooves, reducing frictional forces and preventing jamming while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-plane groove to a multi-dimensional bearing structure with concentric grooves at different radial positions. The first running groove has a smaller radius and the second running groove has a larger radius, creating a multi-layered load distribution system that reduces friction while maintaining structural reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If the storage shelf is heavily loaded, then the storage capacity is improved, but the frictional forces increase leading to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing surface is divided into multiple running grooves that can independently accommodate rolling elements. When heavy loads are applied, the load is distributed across both the first and second running grooves, preventing any single groove from experiencing excessive frictional forces that would cause jamming and maintain ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing structure uses two different groove radii (smaller radius for first groove, larger radius for second groove) to optimize load distribution under varying load conditions. This parameter variation allows the system to handle heavy loads while maintaining smooth operation by distributing contact forces across different radial positions.
3Device complexity
If rolling elements are concentrated in one area, then the bearing structure is simple, but the surface pressure increases leading to friction and jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing structure segments the rolling element distribution into two distinct concentric grooves. Rolling elements are distributed along both the first running groove (smaller radius) and the second running groove (larger radius), which spreads the contact area and reduces surface pressure while maintaining a relatively simple overall bearing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single-line groove to a multi-ring groove configuration with different radial positions. This dimensional expansion in the radial direction allows rolling elements to be distributed across multiple concentric paths, reducing surface pressure and friction without significantly increasing structural complexity.
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
This design ensures reliable operation even with asymmetrical loading, reduces frictional forces, and prevents undefined movements, enhancing the shelf's operability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing surfaces of the support plate and the storage shelf facing each other have respective closed, circumferential first running grooves in which rolling elements are guided
Data Source
AI summary
A storage shelf base for an item of furniture or household appliance, includes a support plate arranged on a body of the item of furniture or household appliance, and a storage shelf positively driven relative to the support plate and can simultaneously be moved rotationally and traslationally. Facing bearing surfaces of the support plate and the storage shelf have respective closed circulating running grooves, in which rolling elements are guided. The storage shelf can be moved out of an initial position into an intermediate position, relative to the support plate in an opening movement, in which the storage shelf is rotated relative to the support plate in a rotational direction and shifted in a predetermined direction and can be moved out of the intermediate position back into the initial position in a closing movement. The facing bearing surfaces of the support plate and the storage shelf have respective second running grooves, in which rolling elements are guided. The second running grooves of the support plate and the storage shelf at least partially surround the first running grooves of the support plate and the storage shelf.