Adjustable Cage Rack Shelves for Mixed Width Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cage and rack systems are limited in accommodating cages of different widths, leading to inefficiencies in space usage and potential structural weaknesses when trying to adapt to varying animal sizes or species, resulting in wasted space and risk of cage instability or falling.
Innovation Solution
A rack system with adjustable shelves that can accommodate either one wide cage or two narrow cages, featuring pivoting and fixed runners that allow for flexible positioning to maintain airflow and stability, eliminating the need for separate racks for different sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rack is designed to house wide cages, then wide cages can be accommodated, but narrow cages cannot be accommodated and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The rack incorporates adjustable shelf sections that can dynamically change position to accommodate different cage widths. The shelves can be reconfigured between wide and narrow positions, allowing the same rack to adapt to various cage sizes without wasting space.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is designed with universal shelf sections that can serve multiple functions - accommodating both wide cages and narrow cages through reconfiguration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate racks for different cage types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rack is designed to house narrow cages, then narrow cages can be accommodated, but wide cages cannot be accommodated and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable shelf sections can be repositioned to create different configurations - suitable for narrow cages in one arrangement and wide cages in another, maximizing space utilization for different cage types.
Solution Approach 2:
The same rack structure with reconfigurable shelves provides universal accommodation for both narrow and wide cages, eliminating the need for separate specialized racks.
3Productivity
If double cages are inserted in a rack with suspending brackets, then cage capacity is increased, but the brackets and shelf may bow or break under the extra weight
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses movable shelf sections that can be positioned to provide optimal support for double cages, distributing weight dynamically rather than relying on fixed brackets that may fail under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable shelf sections act as intermediaries between the rack structure and the cages, providing flexible support that distributes weight evenly and prevents structural failure while maintaining high cage capacity.
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
Enables the simultaneous use of wide and narrow cages in the same rack, optimizing space usage, reducing waste, and ensuring stable cage placement while maintaining proper airflow and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for separate cage tops.
Implementation Method 1
permit ambient air to be drawn across the top of the second cage into the air exhaust plenum
Implementation Method 2
a cage hangs from or is otherwise positioned below a perforated shelf, so that air may pass through the shelf perforations and into a cage
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a rack assembly for housing cages comprise at least one shelf, the shelf having a shelf section comprising a runner capable of being positioned in a least a first position and a second position. The shelf section is constructed and arranged to accommodate two cages having a first and second widths when the runner is positioned in the first position. The shelf section is constructed and arranged to accommodate a single cage having a third width when the runner is in a second position, the first and second widths being less than the third width.