Adjustable Shelving System with Locking Trays for Vehicle Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelving systems in vehicles lack the ability to dynamically adjust the spacing between trays based on the size and shape of items, leading to inadequate or excessive spacing, and often feature sliding trays that can move undesirably during vehicle maneuvers, causing items to fall.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system with side members, cross members, and guide members that allow containers with adjustable locking elements to be positioned and secured, enabling flexible spacing adjustments and secure tray positioning.
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 system transitions from fixed, static tray positioning to dynamic, adjustable positioning. The guide members can be repositioned along the rack at different locations, allowing the spacing between trays to be dynamically adjusted based on item size requirements rather than being constrained by predetermined fixed positions.
2Ease of operation
If trays are allowed to slide freely on the rack for easy access, then tray accessibility is improved, but trays may slide at undesired times during vehicle maneuvers causing items to fall
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is engaged in advance to secure the tray at the desired position before vehicle maneuvers occur. The handle is positioned to automatically or manually engage the locking elements, preventing unwanted sliding during acceleration, deceleration, or turning, while still allowing easy release when tray access is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the friction parameter between the tray and rack by introducing locking elements that increase friction or mechanical interlocking when engaged. The handle mechanism transitions the tray from a free-sliding state (low friction) to a locked state (high friction or mechanical constraint), controlling the sliding parameter based on operational needs.
3Ease of operation
If conventional locking mechanisms with small thumb releases are used, then the locking mechanism is compact, but accessing and operating the lock is difficult especially when carrying items
Solution Approach 1:
The handle serves multiple functions: it acts as both the access handle for opening the tray and as the locking mechanism actuator. By integrating these functions into a single component with extended positioning, the system eliminates the need for separate small thumb releases, making the locking operation as accessible as the tray opening operation itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelving system includes first and second side members. A cross member is coupled to the side members. A guide member is coupled to the cross member such that the guide member is movable relative to the cross member. A container including a rail is coupled to the guide member. The rail includes a first locking element and a second locking element that is connected to the first locking element. The container includes a handle having a third locking element that engages the first locking element. The locking elements are configured to move the container between a first orientation in which the container is provisionally fixed to the guide member and a second orientation in which the container can translate relative to the guide member.