Wall shelf system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall shelf systems are limited in their adaptability, often requiring multiple types of shelf brackets with and without guide rails, which restricts their versatility.
Innovation Solution
A wall shelf system with a universally usable shelf bracket that features coupling means allowing the guide rail to be releasably attached, enabling the user to choose between using the guide rail or not, and providing a secure and tool-free connection through shape-matched and force-transmitting coupling mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a guide rail is permanently welded or fixed to the shelf bracket, then the connection is stable and secure, but the adaptability of the shelf bracket is reduced requiring multiple types for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is separated from the shelf bracket as an independent component that can be selectively attached or detached. The coupling means are divided into parts on the shelf bracket and corresponding parts on the guide rail, allowing the guide rail to be segmented into a removable component rather than a permanent fixture.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the guide rail and shelf bracket transitions from static (permanent welding) to dynamic (releasable coupling). The coupling means enable the guide rail to be attached when needed and removed when not needed, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining stability during use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coupling means are provided to enable releasable attachment of the guide rail, then the adaptability is enhanced allowing tool-free assembly and disassembly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means are integrated into the existing structures of the shelf bracket and guide rail rather than being separate components. The coupling parts are formed as integral features of the shelf bracket and guide rail bodies, merging the coupling function into the main structures to minimize additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means are designed to be universally applicable to both guide rails and shelf brackets. The same coupling mechanism can be used for attaching guide rails and potentially other accessories, making the coupling system multi-functional and reducing overall system complexity through standardization.
3Reliability
If the coupling means enable shape-matched connection, then the connection security is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shape-matched coupling features are localized to specific areas of the shelf bracket and guide rail rather than requiring precision throughout the entire components. The coupling means are concentrated in localized regions where precise geometric matching is needed, while other areas of the components can be manufactured with standard tolerances.
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 system allows for a compact and stable design, enabling the shelf bracket to be used with or without a guide rail, offering enhanced adaptability and ease of assembly and disassembly without tools, while ensuring secure attachment and intuitive connection methods.
Implementation Method 1
coupling means are provided at the shelf bracket and in that coupling means corresponding to the coupling means of the shelf bracket are provided at the guide rail to releasably fasten the guide rail to the shelf bracket
Implementation Method 2
a purely force-transmitting connection can, for example, be made possible by the coupling means by means of one or more magnets
Data Source
AI summary
A wall shelf system having a shelf bracket comprising a rear end for fastening to a wall rail, a front end, and at least one first side wall, and having a guide rail for a shelf element that can be pulled out and comprising a rear end, a front end, and a side wall. Coupling features are provided at the shelf bracket and at the guide rail that correspond to one another and that enable the guide rail to be releasably fastened to the shelf bracket.