Asymmetric Ridge Storage Element for Planar Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for storing, handling, and transporting fragile or easily damaged planar objects, such as windows and tiles, are prone to damage due to impacts and scratches during stacking and transport, and are costly due to complex components, with limited rigidity and stability issues, especially on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A rectangular element with sloping bearing surfaces and perpendicular support surfaces defining a ridge, where the bearing surfaces are of different sizes, and featuring breakage protection and an open structure with ribs and slats connected by dowels and screws, allowing for stable and efficient handling of objects of varying thicknesses and reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If elements rest on the ground with their entire lower surface or four supports, then the elements provide stable support for objects, but the position becomes unstable on uneven or dirty bases and space is wasted in the surface for forklift positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The element divides its base support into discrete feet rather than a continuous surface, allowing selective contact points that maintain stability while creating clear positioning zones for forklift forks
Solution Approach 2:
The element incorporates vertical positioning features (feet of different heights) that create a three-dimensional base structure, enabling stable support on uneven surfaces while maintaining a defined horizontal footprint for forklift operation
2Reliability
If the element construction uses many components, then the structure provides adequate support and protection, but the cost price becomes relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The element merges multiple functions into fewer components - the bearing surfaces both support objects and provide protective ridges, while feet combine support, positioning, and stability functions, reducing total component count while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Each component of the element serves multiple purposes - the ridge structure protects both the element edges and the objects being stored, while the asymmetric bearing surfaces accommodate objects of varying thicknesses, maximizing utility of each component
3Volume of moving object
If bearing surfaces and support surfaces are positioned closely together, then the element structure is compact, but dirt accumulates in the corner between surfaces causing objects to be improperly supported
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts or removes the problematic corner region where dirt accumulates by positioning the ridge and bearing surfaces to create an open transition zone, eliminating the crevice that traps contaminants while preserving structural compactness
4Quantity of substance
If objects protrude beyond the element boundaries, then the storage capacity is increased, but the objects interfere with the use of manual pallet trolleys
Solution Approach 1:
The element uses vertical dimension (different foot heights) to create asymmetric bearing surfaces that allow objects to protrude horizontally while the elevated portions clear the path of manual pallet trolleys, separating the storage function from the transport access function
Data Source
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AI summary
Element for the storage, handling and transport of planar or primarily planar objects (33), that has an approximately rectangular shape with a length (L) and width (B) in the horizontal plane, that defines on its top two bearing surfaces (20) sloping inwards and two approximately perpendicular support surfaces (21) standing on them, whereby the support surfaces (21) together also define a ridge (23) that extends over the length (L) of the element (27, 29), the ridge (23) is in such a position that the two bearing surfaces (20) are of different sizes.