Support beam and shelving system using the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Boltless shelving systems have undesirably low load-bearing capacities and require diagonal struts, limiting usable space and accessibility in storage systems.
Innovation Solution
The design of a support beam with a first and second vertical component, a horizontal component, a connecting component with a diagonal or curved orientation, and an extending component with varying shapes and angles, allowing for increased load-bearing capacity and adjustable assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional boltless shelving systems are used, then assembly is easy and quick, but load-bearing capacity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The support beam is divided into multiple functional components: first and second vertical components for structural support, a horizontal component for beam connection, a connecting component with diagonal orientation for structural reinforcement, and an extending component for shelf attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall assembly simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting component is positioned at a diagonal orientation between the horizontal component and the second vertical component, adding a diagonal dimension to the traditionally horizontal-vertical structure. This diagonal element provides additional structural reinforcement and increases load-bearing capacity without compromising assembly ease
2Strength
If diagonal struts are added to increase load-bearing capacity, then strength improves, but usable space and accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The diagonal connecting component is merged with the vertical and horizontal components to form an integrated support beam structure. This integration allows the diagonal element to provide structural reinforcement while being part of the main beam assembly, eliminating the need for separate diagonal struts that would occupy additional space and limit accessibility
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional beam structures are used, then assembly is simple, but package volume for shipping is large
Solution Approach 1:
The support beam components are designed to nest within each other during storage and shipping. The extending component can be positioned within the space created by the vertical and horizontal components, allowing the entire beam assembly to occupy minimal package volume while maintaining assembly simplicity through the standardized connection interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A support beam and a shelving system are disclosed. The support beam comprises: a first vertical component; a second vertical component, positioned with the first vertical component in a shared vertical plane; a horizontal component connected to the first vertical component; a connecting component connected to the horizontal component and to an upper end of the second vertical component, wherein the connecting component has a diagonal orientation such that the connecting component angles downwards towards the second vertical component; and an extending component having a first end and a second end and being connected to a lower end of the second vertical component at the second end, wherein the extending component has a first straight portion extending from the first end, and an angle between an extending direction of the first straight portion and that of the second vertical component is between 0 and 145 degrees.