U-Shaped Shelf Support with Flange Sections for Adaptable Cold Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shelf support systems lack flexibility and stability, especially under high loads, as they are not adequately designed to adapt to various installation situations and provide sufficient reinforcement.

Innovation Solution

A shelf support with a U-shaped cross section and flange sections that include additional fastening points, allowing for flexible adaptation and stable connection to other components, enabling the support of high loads and multiple configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional shelf supports are used, then the structure is simple, but the stability under high loads is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability under high loadsVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf support is divided into a base body and separate flange sections that can be attached at different positions. This segmentation allows the support structure to be optimized for strength where needed while maintaining simplicity in other areas, resolving the contradiction between stability under load and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shelf support combines different structural elements (base body with U-shaped cross-section and flange sections) to create a composite structure that provides enhanced stability under high loads while managing overall complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If shelf supports are designed for specific configurations, then the stability for that configuration is high, but the adaptability to different installation situations is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to installation situationsVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flange sections can be attached at different positions on the base body, allowing the same shelf support structure to serve multiple installation configurations (wall mounting, corner mounting, different height positions). This universality maintains stability across various configurations while maximizing adaptability to different installation situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The shelf support design allows dynamic reconfiguration through the movable flange sections that can be positioned at different locations on the base body, enabling the structure to adapt to changing installation requirements while maintaining structural integrity and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If flange sections are added to enhance stability, then the connection strength improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidcomponent complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange sections are designed as separate, attachable components rather than an integrated complex structure. This segmentation provides the necessary connection strength for stable mounting while keeping individual components relatively simple, thus managing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3420857B1Cold storage room with shelving system
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 NILSSON RICKARD
  • EP3420857B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3420857B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3420857B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a shelf support (1) with an elongated base body (2), wherein the base body (2) has a U-shaped cross-section with two leg sections (5, 6) and an intermediate section (7) arranged between them, and the intermediate section (7) has several or a plurality of fastening points (8) for attaching at least one shelf (210) or a shelf frame. At least in the region of at least one longitudinal end (3) of the base body (2), a flange section (9, 10) is associated with each leg section (5, 6), which has at least one first additional fastening point (11) for attaching the flange section (9, 10) against a counter flange (62.1; 62.2). The invention further comprises a shelf support arrangement (100.1; 100.2), a shelving system (200), and an installation space (300) for a shelving system (200).