Wire Shelf Adaptor for Perpendicular-Axis Divider Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire shelf inventory systems with only one set of uniformly spaced parallel wires and few cross-wires do not facilitate the mounting of pivoting dividers, as they lack the necessary perpendicular axis for rotation.
Innovation Solution
An adaptor with a frame, axle, and snap-fit connectors that secures onto spaced parallel wires, creating simulated perpendicular wires to allow the divider to pivot around an axis perpendicular to the shelf wires, enabling the use of hinge clips for rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a wire shelf has only one set of uniformly spaced parallel wires with few cross-wires, then the shelf structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it does not facilitate mounting of pivoting dividers that require rotation around an axis perpendicular to the wires
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor serves as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the simple wire shelf structure and the functional requirement for perpendicular pivoting. It attaches to the existing parallel wires and creates simulated perpendicular wires, enabling divider mounting without modifying the original shelf structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor introduces a new dimensional orientation by creating simulated wires that extend perpendicular to the original shelf wires. This allows the divider to pivot around an axis perpendicular to the shelf wires, effectively adding rotational capability in a new dimension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cross-wires are added to wire shelves to facilitate mounting of pivoting dividers, then the adaptability for divider mounting is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than modifying the shelf structure by adding cross-wires, the adaptor acts as an intermediary that creates the necessary perpendicular mounting capability on its own, leaving the original shelf structure unchanged and simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution separates the shelf structure from the mounting function. The simple wire shelf remains unchanged, while the adaptor provides the perpendicular mounting capability, allowing each component to remain simple while achieving the desired functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the adaptor is secured onto spaced parallel wires using snap-fit connectors, then the ease of installation and reconfiguration is improved, but the reliability of the connection may be reduced compared to permanent mounting methods
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-fit connectors provide a dynamic mounting solution that transitions between secure attachment and easy release. The connectors are designed to maintain reliable connection during normal use while allowing quick installation and reconfiguration when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection reliability is optimized by designing snap-fit connectors with specific geometric parameters that balance holding force with ease of engagement and disengagement. The connectors maintain sufficient reliability for operational use while enabling simple installation and reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor for facilitating mounting of a shelf divider for pivoting around an axis perpendicular to uniformly spaced apart wires of a shelf include a frame having side members that are fixedly spaced apart, an axle extending between the side members on which a shelf divider can be pivotably mounted, and snap-fit connectors configured to releasably secure the adaptor onto spaced apart parallel wires of a wire shelf.