Tool-Free Wire Shelf Support with Unitary Engagement Features

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire shelving unit accessories often interfere with the shelving unit's use and require multiple tools for installation and removal, complicating the process and increasing manufacturing complexity.

Innovation Solution

A unitary support with engagement features that securely attach to wire shelving units without additional tools, allowing for easy installation and removal by hand, and providing additional storage options without obstructing the shelving area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing accessories are mounted to wire shelving units, then additional storage options are provided, but the accessories interfere with shelving unit use and impede access to the front of the shelving area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage optionsVSAvoidaccess to shelving area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support is designed to attach to the front surface of the wire shelving unit and extend outward perpendicular to the shelving unit's front plane. This dimensional arrangement allows the support to provide additional storage functionality without projecting into the top shelving area or blocking access to the front of the shelving unit, thereby resolving the spatial conflict between added storage and maintained accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing accessories are mounted to wire shelving units, then additional storage options are provided, but multiple separate fasteners and fastener tools are required, complicating installation and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage optionsVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support integrates multiple functional elements into a single unitary structure. The engagement features (hooks or lugs) are formed as integral parts of the support body rather than separate components. This merging of the support structure and fastening elements eliminates the need for separate fasteners and fastener tools, allowing installation and removal to be performed by hand while maintaining additional storage functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing accessories are mounted to wire shelving units, then additional storage options are provided, but the accessories have multiple-element structures that require separate fasteners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage optionsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support is manufactured as a single integrated component where the body and engagement features are formed together as one piece. This unitary construction eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate parts, simplifying the manufacturing process while providing the same additional storage functionality that would require complex multi-component assemblies in conventional designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10271650B2Support for wire shelf and method of use

Publication Date: 2019.04.30 INVENTION CLUB LLC

AI summary

A support adapted for mounting to wire shelving units, particularly a support adapted to be securely coupled and repositioned on upper and lower horizontally-extending wire members located at the front of wire shelving units.