Ceiling Hanger Tracks for Torsion-Stable Bin Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage solutions for plastic containers are inefficient, prone to deformation under weight, unstable, and occupy valuable space, with existing ceiling mounting systems being unsuitable for standard container sizes and lacking torsional support, posing safety hazards, especially for children.

Innovation Solution

A pre-formed plastic hanger track system designed for ceiling mounting, featuring contoured planar surfaces and vertical supports that can be securely fastened to standard joists, providing torsional stability and accommodating standard storage container sizes, allowing for easy installation and versatile use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If storage containers are stacked on top of each other to save space, then floor space is freed up, but the containers deform under excessive weight and become unstable safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloor spaceVSAvoidcontainer weight-bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions storage from vertical stacking (one dimension) to ceiling suspension (three-dimensional space utilization). By mounting tracks to the ceiling and hanging containers from them, the system utilizes unused vertical ceiling space while keeping containers off the floor, eliminating both stacking deformation and floor space occupation issues simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If shelves are used to raise containers off the ground, then containers are protected from dust and deformation, but valuable floor space is occupied and shelves are prone to being knocked over

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer protectionVSAvoidfloor space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system moves storage from ground-level shelves to ceiling-mounted tracks, utilizing the third dimension (vertical ceiling space) for storage. This eliminates the need for floor-based shelves entirely, freeing 100% of floor space while providing secure container suspension that is inaccessible to children and protected from dust

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If DIY wooden ceiling mounting projects are assembled, then containers can be mounted to the ceiling, but the projects require specialized tools and skills, are unsightly, and wood surfaces create increased friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveceiling storage spaceVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pre-fabricated plastic track components that are designed for simple installation without requiring woodworking skills or specialized tools. The plastic tracks can be easily cut, fitted, and mounted to ceiling joists using basic hardware, making the system accessible to average consumers while eliminating the need for complex DIY wooden construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the material parameter from wood to plastic, which fundamentally alters the friction characteristics. Plastic-on-plastic contact between container flanges and track surfaces creates significantly lower friction than wood, enabling smooth container retrieval while maintaining structural integrity through proper track design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Area of stationary object

If L-shaped mounting rails are used for ceiling storage, then containers can be mounted, but the rails are prone to twisting and torquing which can spill containers to the ground

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveceiling storage spaceVSAvoidmounting stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: ceiling-mounted tracks provide structural support and positioning, while container flanges provide the hanging interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the tracks for stability and the flanges for easy container attachment/detachment - eliminating the twisting problems of integrated L-shaped rails

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Reliability

If mounting structures are made thick to provide structural support, then stability is improved, but the structures cannot be mounted on standard spaced joists or accommodate standard container sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with standard joists and containers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The track thickness parameter is optimized to approximately 0.25 inches, which is thin enough to fit between standard 16-inch spaced ceiling joists while still providing adequate structural support when properly mounted. This parameter optimization simultaneously achieves both structural reliability and compatibility with standard construction dimensions and container sizes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9138077B2Modular hanging storage tracks

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 HYPERLILY

AI summary

A hanger track system that can be mounted to horizontal or vertical surfaces including ceilings, joists, and walls. The hanger tracks include a surface on which a storage container may be supported. The hanger tracks are positioned substantially parallel to each other and spaced a distance apart such that a storage container can fit in between the hanger tracks and be supported by a portion of the tracks.