Asymmetric U-Shaped Rack Profile for Modular Load-Bearing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rack systems and frame assemblies are cumbersome to assemble and require special tools or elements for mounting additional equipment and stocking consumables, failing to provide a modular and scalable workstation solution for varying loads and tasks.
Innovation Solution
A special profile for a rack system with an asymmetric U-shaped design and interchangeable additional profile sections, along with dedicated accessories, allowing easy assembly and adaptation to different loads without specialized tools, and enabling versatile accessory installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rack systems are used for mounting additional equipment and stocking consumables, then the workstation can support various tasks, but the assembly becomes cumbersome and requires special tools or elements
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is divided into modular profiles with standardized angulations that can be independently assembled. The profile sections are segmented into primary and additional sections that can be combined in various configurations, eliminating the need for special tools by using simple connection elements that fit into the angulated joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized profile design with specific angulations serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates mounting surfaces for accessories, and enables scalable workstation configurations. The same profile geometry is used throughout the system, allowing universal application across different workstation requirements without needing specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rack systems are used to support different amounts of load, then the workstation can be configured for various tasks, but the system lacks modularity and scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing structure is segmented into primary profile sections and additional profile sections that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation allows the system to be scaled by simply adding or removing standardized sections rather than redesigning the entire structure, reducing complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Additional profile sections are designed to nest onto or connect with primary profile sections in a hierarchical manner. This nesting approach allows smaller components to be integrated into larger structures using the same angulated connection geometry, enabling scalable load-bearing configurations without increasing system complexity.
3Reliability
If specialized mounting elements are used for installing accessories, then the rack system can securely hold equipment and consumables, but the installation process becomes complicated and requires special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The angulated profile joints are designed to self-align and self-secure accessory mounting elements without requiring special tools. The geometry of the angulations creates natural mechanical interlocking that maintains reliability while allowing simple manual installation, as the components serve to secure themselves through their inherent structural design.
4Ease of operation
If a modular profile system is implemented for easy assembly, then the workstation becomes scalable and adaptable, but the profile design must accommodate multiple functions and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The profile design incorporates asymmetric angulations with specific geometric relationships (e.g., 45°, 90°, 135° angles) that provide structural stability while creating directional mounting surfaces. This asymmetric geometry enables multiple configuration options and accessory orientations from a single profile type, achieving versatility without complicating the assembly process.
Data Source
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AI summary
We propose a profile for a rack system, comprising: an asymmetric U-shaped primary profile section (1) consisting of a first free leg (1a), a second free leg (1b) and a third intermediate leg (1c), which third leg (1c) connects the first leg (1a) and the second leg (1b); wherein said first leg (1a) and said second leg (1b) extend at right angles in an extension direction (ED) with respect to said third leg (1c); wherein, in said extension direction (ED), said first leg (1a) is shorter than said second leg (1b); wherein said first leg (1a) and said second leg (1b) have a respective angulation (1a', 1b') in a common direction at their respective distal ends; wherein the angulation (1a') of the first leg (1a) forms a right angle with respect to said extension direction (ED) and extends away from said second leg (1b). To increase load-bearing capacity, an additional profile section (2) can be used that is similar to said primary profile section (1) without said angulations (1a', 1b') and that has an increased size with respect to said primary profile section (1) so that the first to third legs (2a-2c) of the additional profile section (2) cover the corresponding first to third legs (1a-1c) of the primary profile section (1) over an entire surface thereof when said additional profile section (2) is placed over said primary profile section (1).