Universal Shelf Divider With Wire Feet For Adjustable Widths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf divider systems are inflexible and require different divider elements for varying shelf widths, leading to increased part variety and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A divider element with integral horizontal and vertical tube sections and wire feet, allowing for secure attachment to shelves with adjustable widths using a single fitting type, and additional wire arms for upper edge fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different divider elements are used for different shelf widths, then secure attachment is achieved, but part variety and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The divider element is designed with a universal fitting that can accommodate different shelf widths through adjustable positioning. The fitting includes a body with a first engagement feature that interfaces with the shelf and a second engagement feature that connects to the divider plate, allowing the same fitting type to be used across multiple shelf configurations rather than requiring width-specific variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic positioning to match different shelf widths. The engagement features are designed to accommodate variations in distance between longitudinal edges, enabling the same divider element to be securely attached to shelves of varying widths through repositioning rather than requiring multiple fixed-design fittings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different divider elements are used for different shelf widths, then proper fit is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is designed as a universal component that can be manufactured in a single standard configuration yet accommodate multiple shelf widths. This eliminates the need to manufacture multiple fitting variants for different shelf sizes, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability through the fitting's adjustable engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion, engagement features for the shelf, and connection features for the divider plate. This segmentation allows each component to be standardized and manufactured independently using the same processes across different shelf applications, simplifying production while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more fitting types are produced, then specific shelf widths are covered, but production flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single universal fitting type that can accommodate multiple shelf widths through adjustable positioning, the system eliminates the need to produce multiple fitting variants. This increases production flexibility as manufacturers can use the same fitting design and manufacturing processes for all shelf widths, while still achieving comprehensive shelf width coverage through the fitting's adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more fitting types are stored, then various shelf widths are supported, but storage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal fitting design reduces the quantity of different fitting types that need to be stored and managed. Instead of maintaining inventory of multiple fitting variants for different shelf widths, the system uses a single fitting type that can be configured for various widths, thereby reducing parts variety and improving storage efficiency while still supporting diverse shelf width requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7a~7b
AI summary
The proposed arrangement consists of a shelf and a divider (2) that subdivides its upper surface (3). The shelf (1) comprises a base plate (4) and hollow chambers (7) beneath it. These are bounded by an outer wall (9), below by a base (10), and inwards by an inner wall (11). The divider (2) consists of a plate (12) with downward-projecting feet (13). Recesses (15) in the inner walls (11) align with transverse slots (14) in the base plate (4) arranged above them, such that a recess (15) together with a transverse slot (14) accommodates the foot (13). The plate (12) has horizontal and vertical pipe sections (31, 32) along its edges. Each foot (13) is a section of wire (30) which extends with a first wire section into a horizontal tube section (31) and with a second wire section into a vertical tube section (32).Furthermore, a separating element (2) exhibiting the aforementioned characteristics is proposed.