Adjustable Shelving Rack With Locking Tray Handle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelving systems in vehicles have fixed tray spacings that do not adapt to the size and shape of items, leading to inadequate or excessive spacing, and often feature difficult-to-access locking mechanisms and weak handles that can break under use.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system with adjustable side members, cross members, and guide members that allow for customizable tray spacing and a secure, easy-to-operate locking mechanism, featuring a handle that engages locking elements to fix or release the container relative to the guide member, ensuring secure storage and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If trays are equally spaced on the rack according to fixed rack configuration, then the rack structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the spacing cannot accommodate items of varying sizes efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure incorporates movable trays that can slide along the rack length and adjustable spacing mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration of tray positions. This enables the spacing between trays to be changed according to item size requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall rack structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is divided into multiple independent sections with individually adjustable trays. Each tray can be positioned independently along the rack, allowing flexible spacing configuration without requiring complex overall structural changes to the entire rack system.
2Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism with a small thumb release is used to prevent tray sliding, then the locking mechanism is compact, but accessing and operating the lock is difficult especially when carrying items
Solution Approach 1:
A cable or linkage mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user's hand and the locking elements. This allows the user to operate the lock from a more accessible position away from the tray, making it easier to access and operate even when carrying items, while the actual locking elements remain compact near the tray.
3Strength
If conventional weak handles are used on trays, then the handle construction is simple, but the handles bend or break when pulled on during vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is constructed from composite materials or a combination of materials with different properties (e.g., metal reinforcement with plastic housing). This provides the necessary strength and durability to withstand pulling forces during vehicle movement while maintaining a relatively simple overall handle construction that is easy to manufacture.
4Reliability
If trays are allowed to slide freely on the rack, then accessing items is convenient, but trays slide at undesired times during vehicle turns and stops causing items to fall
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically engaged or disengaged based on operational needs. During normal vehicle operation, the lock prevents unwanted sliding. When accessing items, the tray can be easily unlocked and slid. This dynamic control provides both stability and accessibility as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism automatically engages when the tray is in position, providing stable fixation without requiring constant user intervention. The tray self-locks during vehicle movement, preventing unwanted sliding, while allowing easy manual release when item access is needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelving system includes side members that each define a first channel having a slide disposed therein. A cross member extends between and connects the slides. The cross member defines a second channel having a guide member disposed therein. The guide member defines a third channel and a flange. A container includes side walls having a rail. One of the rails is movably disposed in the third channel. The rails include a first locking element and a second locking element. The handle includes a third locking element that engages the first locking element. The handle is movable between a first position in which the second locking element engages the flange and the container is fixed relative to the guide member and a second position in which the second locking element is spaced apart from the flange and the container can translate relative to the guide member.