Configurable Bottle Rack Assembly for Inside Corner Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular bottle storage racks struggle to efficiently accommodate inside and outside corners, often requiring inefficient use of space and colliding bottle necks due to their limited modularity and fixed frame support.

Innovation Solution

A configurable bottle storage rack system comprising front and rear support panels, panel connecting members, leg members, spacing members, and securing members, allowing for adjustable vertical and horizontal spans and efficient corner navigation with the ability to hold four bottles in an inside corner configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modular bottle storage racks use fixed frame support with tubes arranged in a preformed frame, then the rack structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but the rack cannot be assembled in a continuous manner to accommodate wall corners and the modularity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate wall cornersVSAvoidrack structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rack is divided into multiple independent tube sections that can be connected end-to-end using connection pieces. Each tube section can be independently assembled and then joined to form continuous configurations that wrap around corners, eliminating the need for a single preformed frame while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rack transitions from a static preformed frame to a dynamic modular assembly where tube sections can be flexibly connected at various angles. The connection pieces enable the rack to adapt its shape to accommodate different corner configurations, providing versatility without requiring complex preformed structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If 24 bottles are used to complete a 90 degree inside corner in U.S. '544, then the corner can be accommodated, but the space usage is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorner accommodation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of bottles required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The rack allows for adjustable spacing between tube sections through the connection pieces. By modifying the angular parameters and spacing distances at corner joints, the rack can accommodate corners with fewer bottles than traditional designs, optimizing space utilization while maintaining the 90-degree corner configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the outer ends of tubes are positioned adjacent to one another to navigate an inside corner, then the corner fit is tight, but increasing the angle between tubes reduces the number of tubes needed while causing bottle necks to collide

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorner navigation efficiencyVSAvoidbottle neck collision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Connection pieces serve as intermediary elements between adjacent tube sections. These connection pieces provide the necessary spacing and angular adjustment to prevent bottle neck collisions while maintaining tight corner fit. The intermediaries allow for incremental spacing that accommodates the bottle dimensions without requiring the tubes to be positioned too closely or at excessive angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional modular racks use fixed-dimensional components, then manufacturing is simplified, but the racks cannot be configured for various vertical and horizontal spans or expanded later

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconfigurability for various spans

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection pieces are designed as universal components that can join tube sections at multiple angles and positions. These multi-functional connection pieces work with standard tube dimensions to create racks of various vertical and horizontal spans, and the same components enable future expansion without requiring specialized parts for different configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10010172B1Configurable bottle storage rack and kit

Publication Date: 2018.07.03 SOMERS SCOTT R

AI summary

A configurable bottle storage rack kit includes front bottle support panels and rear bottle support panels, with a bottle support panel hinge section being located at first and second sides of each panel. The kit includes panel connecting members, each defined by first and second sides, and each having a hinge located at the first and second sides. The kit includes a plurality of leg members and spacing members. The front bottle support panels, (and likewise, the rear bottle support panels) can be connected to one another by engaging the hinges of the respective panel connecting members to the respective (i.e., front or rear) bottle support panel hinge sections. The panel connecting members can be attached to the leg members, and the spacing members can be disposed between leg members where panel connecting members are be attached to the leg members.