Adjustable Overhead Shelving Structure for Variable Storage Widths
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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 adding additional shelves.
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 to accommodate different heights and widths, with clearance openings for fasteners to secure the units to various support structures, enabling easy height adjustments and additional shelf additions.
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 arms, horizontal bars, extension members, and shelves that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different storage needs while maintaining relatively simple individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelving unit incorporates adjustable features including telescopic extension members for width adjustment, repositionable horizontal bars for height adjustment, and removable shelves. These dynamic elements enable the structure to adapt to various storage requirements without requiring complete redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable shelving units are used, then versatility is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the shelving unit into standardized modular components with consistent connection interfaces, the system achieves adjustability while simplifying installation. Each module can be independently manufactured and then easily assembled through standardized fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelving unit employs universal connection features such as standardized clearance openings for fasteners, telescopic mechanisms with generic interfaces, and multi-position mounting options. These universal elements enable easy assembly and adjustment without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size storage units are used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different spaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving unit incorporates nested telescopic extension members that slide within the main structural arms. This nesting arrangement allows width adjustment while minimizing the number of separate components needed, as the extension members are integrated into the existing arm structure rather than being completely separate pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic telescopic and adjustable mechanisms that allow the structure to change size and configuration. These mechanisms are designed to be self-contained within the modular components, reducing the need for additional separate adjustment devices and thereby limiting the increase in overall component count.
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.