Tapered Rack Coupling for Removable Middle Shelf Boards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly shelves require inconvenient middle shelf board removal operations, necessitating the removal of upper shelf board members, which complicates the process of changing the position of middle shelf board members in multi-stage assemblies.
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 member to be removed and repositioned without affecting other shelf board members, 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 is used to couple shelf board members in the longitudinal direction, then assembly is facilitated and design is improved, but the middle shelf board removal operation becomes inconvenient requiring removal of upper shelf board members
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is divided into two separate members that are fitted to each other, creating distinct functional zones. One member has a first tapered section while the other has a second tapered section, allowing independent engagement and disengagement of shelf boards at different positions along the post.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the coupling member have different tapered characteristics - the first tapered section gradually increases in diameter while the second tapered section gradually slopes inward. This local differentiation in geometric properties enables selective access to middle shelf boards without removing upper ones.
2Ease of operation
If the coupling member supports the shelf board within a half area in the diametrical direction, then the middle shelf board can be removed and repositioned independently, but the structural complexity increases with two interlocking members
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is segmented into two interlocking members with complementary tapered sections. This segmentation creates independent engagement zones that allow the middle shelf board to be accessed and repositioned without affecting other shelf boards, while each individual member remains relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
One member is fitted inside the other, creating a nested configuration where the first tapered section and second tapered section are disposed within the half area of the coupling member in the diametrical direction. This nesting approach allows complex functionality to be achieved through compact, interlocking components rather than a single large complex structure.
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 member to be changed by merely removing and resetting it, facilitating the assembly process and improving operational 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
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
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.