Between-Joist Storage Container for Concealed Space Utilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage containers occupy valuable space by resting on floors or mounting to walls and ceilings, failing to utilize the space between building joists effectively.
Innovation Solution
A container designed to be mounted between joists in a building substrate, featuring a box-shaped body with flanges that abut the joists, a pivotable lid, and optional magnetic coupling and hydraulic lift support, allowing for concealed storage that matches the substrate's surface material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional storage containers rest on floors or mount to walls, then they provide accessible storage space, but they occupy valuable space within storage locations and do not utilize space between joists
Solution Approach 1:
The container is repositioned from conventional floor or wall mounting to installation within the three-dimensional space between joists. This utilizes previously underutilized vertical and lateral dimensions of the building structure, allowing storage without occupying floor area or wall surface space.
Solution Approach 2:
The container body is nested within the structural framework between joists, fitting into the existing building anatomy. The container becomes integrated into the structural voids, similar to nesting one object within another, thereby utilizing otherwise wasted space.
2Volume of moving object
If the container is mounted between joists, then it utilizes previously unused space, but it requires flanges and mounting mechanisms that increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into functional segments: the body for storage and flanges for mounting. This segmentation allows the mounting features to be separated from the storage volume, enabling independent optimization of each component and simplifying the overall mounting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The flanges serve multiple functions: they provide structural attachment to joists, enable positioning of the container, and can incorporate mounting features for additional components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the container body extends between joists, then it maximizes storage volume, but it may protrude from the substrate surface requiring lid extension beyond substrate surface
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed as a movable component that can pivot between open and closed positions. When closed, it extends beyond the substrate surface to cover the opening; when open, it allows access. This dynamic design accommodates both the volume maximization requirement and the aesthetic profile requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is configured to match the visual appearance of the substrate surface when closed, creating a seamless appearance. This may involve matching materials, colors, or textures so that the lid blends with the surrounding surface, effectively hiding the container's presence.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The container effectively utilizes previously unused space between joists for storage while maintaining a seamless appearance with the substrate, providing organized storage without protruding from the structure.
Implementation Method 1
The container can further include a magnetic coupling having one or more components coupled to the body and/or lid to thereby releasably hold the lid in a closed position.
Implementation Method 2
The container can include a hydraulic lift support mechanism coupled to the body and the lid that is configured to aid in lifting the lid.
Data Source
AI summary
A container is described herein that is configured to be mounted between joists in a substrate of a structure, such as a floor, wall, or ceiling. The container includes a body portion sized to be disposed between the joists and a lid to cover an opening to the body. The lid can further be configured to be coplanar with a covering material of the substrate so that the container does not project outwardly from the substrate.