Rotating Storage Rack with Integrated Light Transmission Panels

Patent & Production

At a glance

What the claims cover, in plain language

Claim 1 defines a storage rack featuring a mounting base with a rotatably connected pipe sleeve. A first connecting disc attaches to the sleeve, holding multiple first hollow frames. Second hollow frames connect between the first frames and a rotating frame, secured by suction cups. An air-pushing assembly is integrated into the hollow frames. An illumination assembly includes a fixed tube passing through the sleeve, with guide plates and sliding frames holding lamps. A blocking assembly uses a circular ring, connecting blocks, and a clamping sleeve on a guide rail to lock the sleeve. A slider mechanism employs eccentric discs and shafts linked to a reel and pull wires. A drive assembly features a foot-operated swing frame, a reducing motor, and a diamond-shaped rod/sleeve system that engages chucks and slide bars. A rotating assembly uses belt pulleys and flat belts to transmit motion from the motor to the pipe sleeve.

Claim 2 specifies that the air-pushing assembly comprises connecting pipes, cylinder bodies, pistons, and push rods mounted on the bottom of the first hollow frame and top of the second hollow frame.

Claim 3 states that the color of light emitted from the lamps on each first sliding frame is different from one another.

This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.

What this means for US production

This patent was filed in China and is currently active, meaning the owner has exclusive rights to make, use, or sell this specific technology within China. The public record shows no US or other foreign counterpart. Therefore, this Chinese patent does not restrict manufacturing or selling this design in the United States. However, because the technology involves mechanical rotation and electrical components, other patents may exist in the US covering similar display mechanisms.

Two points to settle early:

• Other patents may exist. Retail display rotations and motorized stands are common fields. Since there are no foreign patents citing this one, you must conduct a freedom-to-operate (FTO) review specifically for US patents related to motorized rotating displays and adjustable lighting racks before tooling.
• Component Sourcing. The design relies on specific belt-drive and foot-switch mechanisms. Ensure suppliers for the reducing motor and acrylic panels meet international safety standards if exporting globally.

Customization and manufacturing

What can be customized

Things to plan for (US market)

• UL 60950 / UL 62368 - Safety standards for information technology equipment and audio/video devices; relevant for the motor and lighting control circuits.
• FCC Part 15 - Electromagnetic compatibility for electronic devices; required for the motor driver and any wireless controls.
• California Prop 65 - Warning requirements for certain chemicals in plastics and coatings used in retail fixtures.
• ADA Compliance - If installed in public spaces, ensure the foot pedal location and reach ranges meet accessibility guidelines.

How a project runs

1. Inquiry - Specify panel dimensions, load weight, and desired light temperature.
2. Design - Finalize gear ratios, motor selection, and acrylic forming tolerances.
3. Prototype - Build cut-and-bent sample with temporary wiring for function test.
4. Pilot Run - Assemble injection-molded parts and powder-coated frames; test durability.
5. Production - Mass produce aluminum extrusions, acrylic panels, and assemble motors.

Quantities & timeline

Tooling costs depend on the complexity of the injection molds for the slider components and the precision of the gear machining. Aluminum extrusion dies are relatively low cost but require lead time for profile approval. Acrylic forming requires custom jigs. Send us your panel dimensions, target load capacity, light specifications, and estimated quantity and we will reply with options.

Production notes

Tooling and process

Likely processes include sheet metal fabrication for the base and connecting frames, aluminum extrusion for structural rigidity, and injection molding for the small plastic sliders and chucks. Acrylic forming is critical for the light-transmitting panels. Motor assembly involves integrating the reducing motor with the gear train.

Cost drivers

Number of parts typically drives assembly time, especially for the intricate slider and blocking assemblies. Sheet thickness affects material cost and weight. Surface finish quality on the aluminum and acrylic drives up processing time. Packaging volume increases shipping costs due to the rack’s height.

Prototyping path

Prototyping typically starts with a 3D model and load check to verify balance. Create a cut and bent sample of the metal frames to test fit. Perform a load test on the prototype to ensure the motor handles the weight. Conduct a flat-pack trial to assess assembly ease. Finally, proceed to tooling once the design is validated.

What we would change before tooling

We would likely simplify the foot-operated linkage to reduce part count and potential failure points. Spring fatigue is a concern in the return mechanisms; using higher-grade steel or alternative damping might improve longevity. Shaft and bearing alignment tolerance should be tightened to prevent wobble during rotation.

Common failure points

Insufficient load capacity could stall the motor or break belts. Tipping is a risk if the center of gravity shifts with heavy items. Coating scratches may occur during assembly of tight-fitting parts. Complex flat-pack assembly can lead to misalignment. Acrylic cracking is possible if stress concentrates at screw holes. Hinge boss and pivot wear can degrade over time with frequent foot operation.

Patent drawings

Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.

Frequently asked questions

How does the foot switch operate the rotation?

The foot switch connects to a swing frame that mechanically engages the drive motor. When pressed, it lifts a diamond-shaped sleeve, causing slide bars to lock into a rotating chuck. This transfers power from the motor to the central pipe sleeve via belts and gears, rotating the display. Releasing the foot returns the mechanism to a locked position.

Can I adjust the brightness or color of the lights?

Yes. The lamps are mounted on sliding frames that move vertically along guide plates, allowing you to position the light source closer to or further from specific shelf levels. According to the patent, different colored lights can be used on separate sliding frames to create varied visual effects.

What materials are used for the display panels?

The patent describes “light-passing boards,” which typically refer to acrylic or polycarbonate sheets. These materials diffuse light evenly and allow visibility of stored items. The panels are held in place by suction cups within hollow metal frames, making them easy to replace or clean.

Is the rotation continuous or intermittent?

The design supports intermittent rotation. The foot-operated mechanism engages the drive for a set period or distance, then stops when the pedal is released. This prevents constant spinning and allows customers to pause and inspect items. Continuous mode can be achieved with modified control logic, though the patent emphasizes the step-by-step engagement.

How much weight can the rack hold?

The patent does not specify a maximum load rating. Load capacity depends on the motor torque, belt strength, and structural integrity of the aluminum frames. We recommend testing with actual product weights during the prototyping phase to confirm stability.

Can this design be made and sold in the US?

The patent was filed in China and is currently active there, but the public record shows no US counterpart. Therefore, this specific Chinese patent does not restrict manufacturing or selling this design in the United States. However, we strongly recommend a freedom-to-operate review to check for other US patents in the retail display field.

Are you affiliated with the patent owner?

No. IP2M is an independent design and manufacturing service working from the public patent document.

Request a quote

Click Request a Quote below to see our email address - copy it, or open your email app with a ready-made message. Please mention patent CN112998486B in the subject.

Helpful details to include:

• Your company and channel (retail brand, exhibition designer, museum curator, showroom owner)
• Dimensions (height, diameter) and estimated weight of products to be displayed
• Material preferences for panels (acrylic, glass, etc.) and finishes
• Lighting specs (color temperature, brightness, single vs. multi-color)
• Estimated quantity and target price
• Timeline - when you would like samples and the first shipment

You can also reach us at (332) 203-9997.