Adjustable storage devices, systems and associated methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage solutions for fragile decorative items are inadequate due to their varied sizes and fragile nature, leading to potential damage during storage.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable storage device with flexible liner compartments that can be resized and supported by a peripheral frame, using materials like metals, polymeric materials, and fabrics to protect items from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size storage compartments are used, then manufacturing is simple, but they cannot accommodate items of varied sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment utilizes a flexible liner that can dynamically adjust its shape and size to accommodate items of various dimensions. The liner is supported by a frame structure that allows it to be configured in different arrangements, enabling the same basic structure to adapt to different storage needs without requiring multiple fixed-size compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is divided into a frame structure and a separate flexible liner component. This segmentation allows the liner to be independently adjusted and reconfigured within the frame, providing adaptability for different item sizes while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple and manageable.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid storage compartments are used, then structural support is strong, but fragile items may contact surfaces and get damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible liner as the storage compartment material. This flexible film or shell conforms to the shape of stored items and provides a soft barrier that prevents fragile objects from contacting hard surfaces. The liner maintains its structural integrity through the supporting frame while offering gentle containment that protects delicate items.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible liner acts as an intermediary between the rigid frame structure and the fragile stored items. It provides the necessary structural support through the frame while simultaneously offering a soft, protective interface that prevents damage to delicate objects, mediating between the conflicting requirements of strength and surface protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If custom-fit storage solutions are created for each item size, then protection is optimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is designed as a universal system with a frame and flexible liner that can accommodate multiple item sizes and shapes. Rather than manufacturing separate custom-fit compartments for each item type, a single versatile structure can be configured to protect various fragile items optimally, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible liner allows for changes in shape, volume, and configuration parameters to match different item dimensions. This parametric adaptability enables the same basic structure to provide optimized protection for various items without requiring custom manufacturing for each case, achieving protection optimization through flexible configuration rather than complex custom production.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for the storage of objects are provided, such as an adjustable storage device for protecting fragile decorative items, which can include a plurality of adjustable rectangular storage compartments arranged in a rectangular array, a first plurality of elongate structures spaced at intervals and oriented parallel to one another, a second plurality of elongate structures spaced at intervals and oriented parallel to one another, wherein the first plurality of elongate structures is oriented perpendicularly to the second plurality of elongate structures to form an opening for each of the plurality of storage compartments, and a flexible liner disposed across the plurality of storage compartments, wherein the flexible liner extends through each single opening to form sides and a bottom of each storage compartment.