Adjustable Shelving System with One-Hand Locking for Vehicle Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelving systems in delivery and service vehicles lack the ability to dynamically adjust tray spacing according to the size and shape of items, leading to inadequate or excessive spacing, and often feature difficult-to-access locking mechanisms that can cause trays to slide undesirably during transport, potentially damaging items.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system with adjustable side members and containers that include a rail with locking elements, allowing for customizable spacing between trays and a handle design that enables easy operation with one hand, even when carrying other items, by moving the locking elements between fixed and translating orientations.
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 be adjusted to accommodate items of different sizes leading to inadequate or excessive spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure incorporates movable trays that can be repositioned along the rack length, transforming the static equally-spaced configuration into a dynamic adjustable system. The trays can slide along guide rails or tracks to achieve variable spacing while maintaining structural integrity through the rack's modular design with adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables change in the spacing parameter between trays by providing adjustment mechanisms such as movable stops, repositionable guides, or telescopic elements that allow the distance between adjacent trays to be modified according to the size and shape of items being stored.
2Ease of operation
If conventional locking mechanisms with small thumb releases are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates when the driver is carrying other items
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is repositioned from a small thumb release on the side to a larger handle positioned on the front or top surface of the tray, utilizing a different spatial dimension for access. This allows the driver to operate the lock with one hand from a more accessible location while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical locking structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged when the tray is inserted into the rack, eliminating the need for manual operation in many cases. Alternatively, the handle design allows for easy one-handed operation that can be performed quickly without requiring precise manual manipulation, enabling the system to lock itself or be locked with minimal user effort.
3Reliability
If trays are allowed to slide freely on the rack, then the ease of operation for accessing items is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as trays may slide at undesired times during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to preemptively prevent unwanted tray movement by automatically engaging when the tray is inserted into the rack. This preliminary locking action counteracts the harmful sliding effect before it can occur during vehicle acceleration, braking, or turning, while still allowing easy manual release when item access is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic control of tray movement by allowing free sliding when unlocked for easy access, then automatically or manually locking when the tray needs to be secured during transport. The transition between locked and unlocked states enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements, maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
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.