Adjustable Shelving Rack With Locking Trays for Vehicle Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelving systems in vehicles lack the ability to dynamically adjust tray spacing to accommodate items of varying sizes and often experience tray slippage during vehicle maneuvers, leading to potential damage and difficulty in accessing locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system with adjustable side members, cross members, and guide members that allow for customizable tray spacing and secure locking mechanisms, featuring a handle that facilitates easy operation even with one hand.
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 stable, but the spacing cannot be adjusted to accommodate items of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure incorporates movable trays that can be adjusted to different positions along the rack length. The trays are equipped with locking mechanisms that allow them to be positioned at various locations and secured, transforming the static rack into a dynamic system that adapts to different storage needs while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is divided into multiple independent tray units that can be individually adjusted, removed, or repositioned. Each tray acts as an independent segment that can be manipulated separately, allowing flexible spacing adjustment without requiring redesign of the entire rack structure
2Ease of operation
If trays are allowed to slide freely on the rack, then accessing items is convenient, but trays slide at undesired times during vehicle maneuvers causing items to fall off
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism features a movable locking bar that can engage with slots in the rack to secure the tray in position, or disengage to allow sliding. This dynamic locking system enables the tray to transition between fixed and movable states based on operational needs, providing both stability during transport and accessibility during loading/unloading
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed with a handle that can be operated by the user to engage or disengage the locking bar. The mechanism itself provides the locking and unlocking functions without requiring external assistance, allowing the user to control tray stability and mobility independently
3Device complexity
If a locking mechanism with a small thumb release is used, then the locking structure is compact, but accessing and pressing the thumb release is difficult especially when carrying items
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism features an asymmetric handle design with a large circular grip portion that provides ergonomic leverage, contrasting with the compact locking bar portion. This asymmetric design allows easy one-handed operation of the locking mechanism while maintaining overall compactness of the locking structure
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves multiple functions: it provides leverage for operating the locking bar, offers a large grip surface for easy access when carrying items, and acts as a visual indicator of the locked state. This multi-functional design consolidates several requirements into a single component
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.