Adjustable Overhead Storage Rail System for Variable Container Widths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional storage systems in homes and workplaces are inefficient in utilizing ceiling space due to limited floor space, especially in garages with parked vehicles, which hinders effective storage solutions.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable overhead storage system comprising support rails and channel rails with moveable attachments, allowing for flexible installation on ceilings or other structures to accommodate various container sizes and shapes, using connectors and sliding fastening clips for secure and adjustable storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional storage systems are used in garages with parked vehicles, then floor storage space is limited, but ceiling space utilization is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidceiling space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions storage from the horizontal floor plane to the vertical ceiling dimension, installing support rails and channel rails on ceiling joists to create overhead storage capacity that does not interfere with vehicle parking or floor-based activities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage system is divided into modular components including support rails, channel rails, and storage containers that can be independently positioned and adjusted along the rails to accommodate different storage needs and container configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed storage systems are installed on ceilings, then installation is simple, but flexibility to accommodate different container sizes is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcontainer size accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The channel rails are designed to be moveable along the fixed support rails, allowing the storage containers to be repositioned dynamically to accommodate different sizes and configurations while maintaining a relatively simple fixed support structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rail system with elongated slots and moveable channel rails creates a universal mounting structure that can accommodate various container shapes, widths, and sizes through adjustable positioning rather than requiring custom-fixed installations for each container type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If support rails are installed on ceiling joists with elongated slots, then adjustability is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into discrete components (support rails with elongated slots, channel rails, connectors) that provide adjustability through their modular design rather than through complex integrated mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11480293B2Adjustable overhead mountable storage system

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 DUSTH DWAYNE

AI summary

A storage system including at least two support rails attached to a ceiling or other overhead structure and at least two channel rails which are configured to be moveably attached to the support rails in a spaced relationship with sliding fastening clips. The channel rails move along the length of the support rail in order to accommodate the different widths of storage containers which are to be installed in the storage system.