Adjustable Overhead Shelving Structure for Variable Height and Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage solutions for homes and buildings lack versatility and adjustability, failing to adequately accommodate various storage needs such as HVAC systems, children's toys, and audio/visual equipment, with limited options for adjusting height and width.
Innovation Solution
A shelving unit system featuring adjustable arms and legs that can be attached to steel beams, wood rafters, or ceilings, allowing for telescopic extensions and multiple attachment points to accommodate different heights and widths, enabling versatile hanging or standing configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed storage solutions are used, then installation is simple, but adaptability to different storage needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving unit is divided into modular components including vertical posts with multiple attachment points, horizontal shelves, and connecting elements. This segmentation allows the system to be configured in various arrangements to suit different storage needs while maintaining relatively simple individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical posts are designed with multiple attachment points that can accommodate shelves at different heights and positions. The same basic structure serves multiple storage configurations, making the system universal for various storage applications without requiring completely different structures for each use case.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable shelving units are used, then versatility is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical posts are pre-manufactured with multiple attachment points at predetermined locations. This preliminary preparation of attachment points during manufacturing eliminates the need for complex field adjustments or custom drilling, simplifying installation while maintaining adjustability capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelving system incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic reconfiguration. Shelves can be moved between different attachment points on the vertical posts, enabling the system to adapt to changing storage requirements while using standardized connection mechanisms that simplify the adjustment process.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom-fitted storage solutions are used, then fit precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves precise fitting for various items by allowing adjustment of shelf positions along the vertical posts. Instead of manufacturing custom-fit solutions for each item, the standardized posts with multiple attachment points enable precise positioning through parameter changes (shelf location) rather than structural customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized vertical posts with multiple attachment points serve as a universal base structure that can accommodate different shelf configurations for various items. This universal design eliminates the need for item-specific custom structures while maintaining precise fitting capabilities through adjustable positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to shelving systems and methods that are adaptable to a number of applications, including building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems, shelving units for holding children's games and toys, closet organizers with hangers and shelves, storage systems in a garage or workshop, storage shelves over a garage door, and as a shelving unit for audio and visual equipment. The shelving unit includes a means for attachment to an overhead member, such as a steel beam, wood rafter, wood joist, wood beam, or ceiling, a generally J or L shaped bar, the ability to raise or lower the J or L shaped bar to provide for storage at different heights, an extension member removably coupled to the J or L bar, and wherein the extension member has a length that provides for storage space of different widths. In another aspect, an inverted shelving stand is provided. In still a further aspect, a U shaped swiveling hanging unit is provided.