Canning Jar Storage Rack with Integrated Retention for Quick Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food storage devices face challenges in balancing ease of access and secure retention of canning jars, often requiring additional steps or risking jars falling off, and may be inconvenient or prone to misplacement.
Innovation Solution
A storage apparatus with a base, front retaining member, and side retaining members forming a channel that secures canning jars through rotational and translational movement, allowing quick and secure access without the risk of jars falling off, featuring a design that can be attached to surfaces like walls for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable plug is used to prevent containers from sliding off the rack, then retention security is improved, but ease of access deteriorates due to additional steps required to remove the plug
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the retention function from a separate removable plug component and integrates it into the rack structure itself through the L-shaped configuration. The vertical portion of the L-shape provides the retaining barrier while the horizontal portion allows jar insertion, eliminating the need for separate retention components that would complicate access.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a protruding plug that blocks access and must be removed, the invention inverts the approach by creating an L-shaped structure where the retention barrier is integrated into the rack body. The jars are retained by the vertical portion while access is facilitated by the horizontal opening, reversing the conventional approach of separate retention and access mechanisms.
2Reliability
If containers are stored at an angle to prevent falling off, then retention security is improved, but ease of access deteriorates due to inconvenient retrieval position
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is segmented into distinct functional portions: the vertical portion provides retention security by preventing jars from falling off, while the horizontal portion provides ease of access by allowing jars to be easily inserted and removed. This segmentation of functions within the L-shaped structure resolves the contradiction between retention and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from storing jars at an angled orientation to a more horizontal position by utilizing the L-shaped structure. The horizontal portion of the L-shape allows jars to rest in a position that is both secure (prevented from falling by the vertical portion) and easily accessible, changing the dimensional approach to storage.
3Ease of operation
If a simple rack structure is used for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but retention security deteriorates as jars may inadvertently fall off
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the retention function and access function into a single integrated L-shaped structure. The vertical portion handles retention security while the horizontal portion handles ease of access, combining both functions in one unified component rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped structure provides dynamic functionality where the same structure adapts to serve different purposes: the vertical portion actively prevents jars from falling off providing retention security, while the horizontal portion facilitates easy insertion and removal providing ease of access. This dynamic multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between simplicity and security.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for storing jars is provided. The apparatus includes a base, two or more elongated side retaining members forming one or more channels, and a front retaining member. The apparatus is fastened to a surface by a plurality of fasteners. Jars are inserted and removed from the apparatus using a combination of rotational and translational motion. The device is unique in that it provides a means for quickly and conveniently storing jars without the need for additional components to retain the jars.