Storage device including shelf

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage solutions for loads, such as metal decking in warehouses, face issues with rigidity, dirt and water retention, and complex welding processes, leading to weakened structures under repeated stress and insufficient resistance to bending.

Innovation Solution

A decking system comprising two mesh panels of metal wires, where the upper panel is reinforced by a second mesh panel with V-shaped folds, welded together to enhance rigidity and mechanical strength, and optionally reinforced with additional elements like wire, round iron, or angle iron between the panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If sheet metal reinforcements are welded to the mesh panel, then the rigidity and bending resistance are improved, but the structure creates dirt and water retention zones and increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending resistanceVSAvoiddirt and water retention
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses mesh panels with open structures instead of solid sheet metal reinforcements. The porous/mesh nature allows light, air, and water to pass through freely, preventing dirt and water retention while still providing the necessary structural reinforcement through the welded wire configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement is applied locally at specific points where needed (at intersections and along critical edges) rather than using continuous sheet metal covers. This localized welding approach provides bending resistance only where structurally necessary, maintaining openness in other areas to prevent dirt accumulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If stays are welded to the longitudinal wires with spacers, then the rigidity is improved, but the structure weakens under repeated stress and increases manufacturing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidresistance to repeated stress
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the reinforcement elements directly into the mesh panel structure by welding them at multiple points along the longitudinal wires, creating a unified structural system. This merging of reinforcement and panel into a single integrated structure distributes stress more evenly and eliminates weak points that would exist with separate spacer components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement wires are welded to the longitudinal wires in advance during manufacturing, creating pre-stressed structural support that is ready to withstand repeated loading cycles from the beginning of service, rather than adding separate components that would require additional assembly steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If additional reinforcing elements are added between mesh panels, then the load-bearing capacity for heavy loads is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Additional reinforcing elements such as angle irons or flat bars are added only at specific high-stress locations between the mesh panels, such as at the edges or at intervals along the span, rather than providing continuous reinforcement. This localized approach increases load-bearing capacity where needed while minimizing the number of additional components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure combining mesh panels with supplementary reinforcing elements like angle irons or flat bars. This composite construction leverages the advantages of both the flexible mesh and the rigid reinforcement elements to handle heavy loads without requiring a complete redesign of the entire structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides improved rigidity, reduces deflection, allows for heavier loads, facilitates light passage, prevents dirt and water retention, and enhances aesthetics, while maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing design.

Implementation Method 1

two mesh panels, that is to say of the type consisting of trellises of metal wires, positioned one on the other and associated to each other by soldering

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3760078B1Storage device including shelf
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 FORLAM CLOTURE IND (FCI)
  • EP3760078B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3760078B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3760078B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

This decking comprises a panel (6) made of a mesh of metal wires welded together at their intersections. The panel (6) is associated with a second lower mesh panel (7), having parallel straight fold zones (12) extending over one principal dimension of said second lower panel (7), and projecting from the plane defined by said second panel.