Back Channel Storage System for Fast Closet Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional closet storage systems are time-consuming to install and do not efficiently support shelves and hang rods, limiting ease of access and space utilization in tight storage areas.

Innovation Solution

A storage system comprising a back channel and side brackets that can be quickly mounted along a closet's walls, with trim pieces and pole cups that allow for rapid assembly and support of shelves and hang rods, enabling faster installation and improved space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional closet storage systems are used, then shelves and hang rods can be supported, but installation is time-consuming (45 minutes)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation timeVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple support functions into a single integrated back channel structure that supports both shelves and hang rods simultaneously. The back channel includes mounting surfaces for shelves and attachment points for hang rod supports, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations and reducing installation time from 45 minutes to 10-20 minutes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The back channel is pre-configured with mounting surfaces, attachment points, and alignment features before installation. The hang rod supports are pre-attached to the back channel, allowing for rapid assembly without requiring precise measurements or complex alignment during installation, thus significantly reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If conventional mounting systems are used, then shelves can be supported, but ease of access and space utilization are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of accessVSAvoidusable space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The back channel extends vertically along the back wall of the closet, utilizing the vertical dimension to maximize space utilization. By mounting the back channel along the entire height of the closet wall, the system enables efficient vertical stacking of shelves and positioning of hang rods at optimal heights, thereby improving space utilization and ease of access to stored items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11470962B2Storage systems including back channels and walls mountable along the back channels

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 CLAIRSON INC

AI summary

An exemplary storage system generally includes at least one back channel mountable along a support surface (e.g., a back wall of a closet, etc.). At least one wall or panel of the storage system is mountable (e.g., via a connector, etc.) along the back channel. The storage system may also generally include one or more of a hang rod, side bracket, shelf trim, end cup, support bracket, and/or shelf. The shelf may be supportable by the back channel, a pair of side brackets, and at least one support bracket. The side brackets may be mountable along sidewalls of the closet and/or to the at least one wall of the storage system that is mountable along the back channel. The hang rod may supportable beneath the shelf when first and second end portions of the hang rod are supported by respective first and second end cups.