Universal Adjustable Shelf for Refrigerated Display Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated display case shelving systems are often manufacturer-specific, leading to interchangeability issues, complex inventory management, and high costs for retailers with diverse fleets of cases from different OEMs, and existing universal solutions require assembly and may introduce points of failure.
Innovation Solution
A universal shelf system with adjustable brackets featuring stepped slot geometries and slide channels that accommodate different upright thicknesses and hole patterns, allowing a single shelf model to fit various refrigerated display case configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manufacturer-specific shelving systems are used, then each shelf fits its designated case model perfectly, but interchangeability between different brands and models is lost, leading to complex inventory management and high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf bracket is designed with a slot geometry that can accommodate multiple upright configurations from different manufacturers. The slot includes a first portion with a first width and a second portion with a second width, allowing it to receive uprights with different wall thicknesses. This enables a single shelf model to be universally compatible with various refrigerated display case types, eliminating the need for manufacturer-specific shelves while maintaining proper fit and alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If universal shelving solutions are created using multiple components, then adaptability to various case configurations is improved, but assembly time increases and potential points of failure are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional features into a single shelf bracket component. The bracket includes both the slot for receiving uprights and the projecting member for engagement with the shelf panel as one unified piece. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces the number of parts, while still providing adaptability to different upright configurations through the varied slot geometry.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single shelf model is designed to fit multiple case types, then inventory complexity is reduced, but maintaining proper alignment and stability across different configurations becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The slot in the bracket is designed with non-uniform geometry, featuring a first portion with a first width and a second portion with a second width. This local variation in dimensions allows the slot to selectively accommodate uprights with different wall thicknesses. The projecting member is positioned at a specific location within the slot to ensure proper alignment and stable engagement with the shelf panel, maintaining manufacturing precision across different configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal shelf for use with different upright standards includes at least one bracket. The bracket includes slots that are configured to interface with different uprights for different refrigerated display cases. The widthwise positions of the shelf are also adjustable to accommodate different upright configurations.