Tapered Shelf Structure for Thin Front Edge and Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf systems often have a bulky appearance due to their vertical dimensions, which can be aesthetically unappealing and may not fit well with modern design preferences for a slim, minimalist look.
Innovation Solution
A shelf design featuring a thin front edge with a significantly reduced vertical dimension, achieved through a metal structure with a generally tubular construction, including a planar horizontal upper sheet portion and a lower sheet portion with an angled front portion that extends forwardly and upwardly, allowing the shelf to appear as if it has little or no thickness when viewed from the front. The shelf engages pins or supports on vertical surfaces, providing stability while maintaining a slim profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional shelf structures with substantial vertical dimensions are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but the shelf appears bulky and aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a conventional uniform thickness shelf to a tapered thickness design. The shelf structure features a front portion with reduced vertical dimension that tapers to a thin front edge, while the rear portion maintains greater thickness for structural support. This dimensional variation along the depth axis allows the shelf to achieve both aesthetic thinness at the visible front edge and sufficient structural strength at the support-bearing rear portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by differentiating the vertical dimension of the shelf structure at different locations. The front portion has a significantly reduced vertical dimension for aesthetic purposes, while the rear portion maintains a larger vertical dimension to provide structural strength and support capacity. This localized variation in thickness allows each region of the shelf to be optimized for its specific function - appearance at the front and strength at the rear.
2Shape
If the shelf vertical dimension is reduced for aesthetic purposes, then the slim profile is achieved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing dimensional variation along the depth axis of the shelf. Instead of uniformly reducing the vertical dimension throughout, the design tapers the thickness from the rear portion to the front edge. This allows the front portion to achieve the desired slim aesthetic profile while the rear portion maintains sufficient vertical dimension to provide structural integrity and support capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the vertical dimension at different locations of the shelf structure. The front portion is designed with reduced vertical dimension for aesthetic purposes, while the rear portion maintains larger vertical dimension to ensure structural strength. This localized differentiation allows the shelf to simultaneously achieve both slim appearance and structural integrity in their respective regions.
3Shape
If a thin front edge design is implemented, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses manufacturing complexity by implementing the thin front edge design through dimensional variation along the depth axis. The tapered thickness can be achieved through various manufacturing methods such as progressive forming, rolling, or extrusion processes that gradually reduce material thickness from rear to front. This approach, while more complex than uniform thickness, remains manufacturable using standard metal forming techniques and avoids the need for post-manufacturing machining or assembly of multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf has a front edge with reduced vertical dimension whereby the shelf appears to be very thin when viewed from the front. The shelf includes opposite end portions that are configured to engage spaced apart vertical support surfaces to thereby support the shelf. The shelf includes a generally planar upper portion and a lower portion structure having a generally planar horizontal rear portion and an angled front portion that extends forwardly and upwardly to provide a thin front edge of the shelf.