Goods storage rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing goods storage rack systems require high assembly complexity and effort due to the need for significant forces and intricate locking mechanisms, leading to increased assembly times and costs.
Innovation Solution
A goods storage rack design featuring parallel crossbeams with open-profile supports that utilize simple clip-fitting mechanisms, where end portions of the side walls are offset and engage with slots on the crossbeam using minimal force, eliminating the need for screwing or riveting and allowing easy assembly and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If supports are pressed together at side walls and pressed from above into crossbeam slots with considerable pressure, then secure locking is achieved, but assembly complexity and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support profile is segmented into distinct functional zones: end portions with openings for locking engagement, central portions for load bearing, and integrated locking projections. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, enabling secure locking through simple vertical insertion rather than complex multi-directional pressing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates self-aligning features including the opening configuration that guides the locking projection into place, and the integrated side wall geometry that automatically positions the support correctly on the crossbeam during vertical insertion. The design eliminates the need for external alignment tools or complex manual positioning procedures
2Reliability
If supports are pressed from above into crossbeam slots with considerable pressure, then secure locking is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support profile is pre-configured with openings and locking projections in the correct positions and orientations during manufacturing. The end portions are pre-shaped to match the crossbeam slot geometry, ensuring that during assembly, the support automatically engages the locking mechanism upon vertical insertion without requiring additional manual operations to create or adjust the locking features
Solution Approach 2:
The design eliminates intermediate assembly steps such as separate locking operations, adjustment procedures, or multi-stage pressing sequences. The support is designed to achieve secure locking in a single vertical insertion motion, rushing through the assembly process by combining multiple functions (support, alignment, and locking) into one straightforward operation
3Ease of operation
If supports are constructed as integral pieces with chamfers for unit goods movement, then goods handling is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional features are merged into the single support structure: the chamfered edges for goods guidance, the openings for locking engagement, the side walls for structural stability, and the central portion for load bearing. This integration eliminates the need for separate components such as adjustable locks, removable inserts, or modular assemblies, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining all necessary functions including smooth goods handling
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 design significantly reduces assembly complexity and time, requiring only minimal force for secure engagement, and allows for easy deformation and alignment of components, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective storage solution.
Implementation Method 1
two slots which extend from the crossbeam upper side up to the crossbeam rear wall and which at that location have a locking projection which in the locking state engages in a positive-locking manner in an opening in the respective side wall
Implementation Method 2
the end portions have in the direction toward the lower edge thereof a wall extent which in comparison with the wall extent on the central portion is offset in the direction toward the profile center plane
Implementation Method 3
considerable forces are required since the profile which forms the support is relatively stable in terms of deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A rack for storing goods has supports which extend between crossbeams. The supports are downwardly open profiles having a first and a second side wall. A horizontal wall connects the side walls and forms a goods support. At least one crossbeam has two slots, each with a locking projection that engages in an opening in the respective side wall. The openings are located in short end portions of the side walls. Central portions form a majority length of the side walls. The end portions are separated from the central portions by a slot which extends from the lower edge of the side wall over a portion of the height of the side wall. The end portions have in the direction toward the lower edge thereof a wall extent which in comparison with the wall extent on the central portion is offset in the direction toward the profile center plane.