Twistable and stackable shelf and connecting device thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelves with integrated supporting rods or pipes have large sizes, requiring repeated assembly and disassembly during transportation, which increases workload and wastes resources, and they are non-deformable, making them inconvenient to use in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A twistable and stackable shelf design featuring rotatable and foldable supporting pipes that connect storage members, allowing the shelf to be unfolded and folded for storage, eliminating the need for repeated assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If integrated supporting rods or supporting pipes are used to fixedly connect shelving layers, then the shelf structure is stable and strong, but the shelf has large size and requires repeated assembly and disassembly during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting pipe is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can be independently moved relative to each other. Each section has corresponding grooves and protrusions that allow segmented telescopic movement, enabling the shelf to be collapsed into a compact form for transportation while maintaining structural integrity when extended
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting pipe transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic telescopic structure. The elastic component enables the supporting pipe to automatically extend and lock into position, providing structural strength when needed, and retract for compact storage when transportation is required
2Stability of the object's composition
If integrated supporting rods or supporting pipes are used to fixedly connect shelving layers, then the shelf structure is stable, but the shelf occupies large storage space and is non-deformable
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic supporting pipe sections are nested within each other in a compact arrangement when retracted, similar to nested dolls. The grooves and protrusions allow one section to slide into another, creating a compact cylindrical package that minimizes storage volume while maintaining the ability to extend to full height when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structure transitions from a static fixed-length pipe to a dynamic telescopic pipe that can adjust its length. The elastic component provides the force to extend the pipe sections and lock them in position, enabling the shelf to occupy minimal storage space when retracted and provide full structural stability when extended and locked
3Reliability
If bolts are used to fixedly connect supporting pipes to shelving layers, then the connection is strong and reliable, but repeated assembly and disassembly increases workload and wastes resources
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic component with its protrusion and groove mechanism creates a self-locking connection system. When the telescopic pipe sections are extended, the elastic protrusion automatically engages with the corresponding groove, providing a reliable locked connection without requiring external fasteners. The system self-regulates and maintains the connection through elastic force
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt connection system is completely removed from the design. Instead of using threaded fasteners that require threading and tightening, the invention uses a direct elastic engagement mechanism where the protrusion fits into the groove, eliminating the need for bolts and significantly reducing assembly complexity and time
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
The design saves space, simplifies transportation and use, and reduces material waste by allowing the shelf to be easily adjusted and stored in a compact form.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end of the elastic member being inserted into the inserting hole of the first connecting member and extending to the bottom groove of the first connecting member, and the second end of the elastic member being inserted into the inserting hole of the second connecting member and extending to the bottom groove of the second connecting member
Data Source
AI summary
A twistable and stackable shelf includes storage members, an elastic member, a first supporting pipe, a second supporting pipe, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member. Each of the first and second connecting member includes an end portion defining an inserting hole and an inserting portion defining a bottom groove and fluidly connected to the inserting hole. Two ends of the elastic member are inserted into the inserting holes and extend to the bottom grooves; two hooking members are arranged in the bottom grooves. The first and second supporting pipes form a vertical arrangement through the first and second connecting members and support the plurality of the storage members in a vertical direction. Or, the first and second supporting pipes form a horizontal arrangement through the first and second connecting members, and the storage members are twisted and stacked in the vertical direction.