Adaptive Storage Rack for Glazing Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing racks for storing and transporting glazing elements, such as windshields and side windows, are limited by standard dimensions, leading to inefficiencies in filling transport vehicles and resulting in significant unused volume.
Innovation Solution
The proposed rack design includes securing means with dog points and complementary orifices that allow for the stacking of racks with different transverse dimensions, enabling optimal use of available space in transport vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If racks with standard dimensions are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the volume utilization in transport vehicles is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into modular components with standardized securing means that can accommodate multiple rack configurations. The securing means are segmented into discrete elements (orifices, dog points) that can be selectively engaged to create racks of varying transverse dimensions while maintaining the same base structure, enabling efficient space utilization without requiring completely different rack designs
Solution Approach 2:
The rack design incorporates universal securing means that serve multiple functions: they enable stacking of identical racks, allow combination with racks of different transverse dimensions, and provide standardized positioning. The securing means with orifices and dog points can adapt to various rack configurations, making the system multi-functional and suitable for optimizing transport vehicle volume with different rack arrangements
2Loss of energy
If racks of different transverse dimensions are stacked, then the volume utilization is improved, but the securing means becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The securing means employs asymmetric positioning of orifices and dog points that are strategically placed to accommodate both identical and different rack dimensions. The asymmetric arrangement allows the same securing mechanism to function with symmetric (identical) and asymmetric (different dimension) rack combinations, simplifying the overall system while enabling volume optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The securing means design allows smaller racks to be nested within the securing structure of larger racks. The orifices and dog points are positioned such that racks of different transverse dimensions can be stacked together, with the securing means of larger racks accommodating the smaller racks, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes volume utilization without requiring separate securing systems
Data Source
AI summary
A rack for storing and/or transporting elements, in particular glazing elements, of the type including a receiving structure for these elements, the top part of the structure including a receiving device and a securing device for an additional top rack that is to be stacked thereon, and the bottom part of this structure including a complementary device that can allow it to cooperate with the receiving device and the securing device of an additional bottom rack on which it is to be stacked. The securing device includes at least two members separated from one another in the transverse direction by a value of a pitch corresponding to a difference in dimensions, in the transverse direction, of the racks that are to be stacked.