Hexagonal Modular Rack Structure for Tool-Free Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rack structures are inflexible, occupy excessive storage space, and are cumbersome for transportation due to their fixed construction and inability to be disassembled.
Innovation Solution
A combination rack structure comprising rectangular support plates, Y-shaped connecting strips with recessed portions and extensions, and hexagonal side frames that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for customizable configurations and reduced storage volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rack structures are constructed integrally by soldering or screwing, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of disassembly and transportation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure is divided into modular components (side frames, support plates, connecting strips) that can be easily separated and reassembled. The connecting strips feature holding grooves that receive edges of support plates, creating detachable yet stable connections without requiring soldering or screwing.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The corners of side frames are designed to be engageable with recessed portions of connecting strips, allowing the structure to be assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured based on transportation or storage needs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rack structures have a fixed construction, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different storage requirements is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure enables dynamic reconfiguration by allowing support plates to be positioned at different locations along the connecting strips. The holding grooves and recessed portions facilitate easy adjustment of plate positions, adapting the rack to various storage needs while maintaining structural stability through proper engagement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design with standardized connecting strips and support plates creates a universal system that can accommodate different configurations. The same basic components can be arranged in multiple ways to suit different storage requirements, making the rack versatile for various applications.
3Strength
If conventional rack structures have a determined volume, then the structural integrity is improved, but the storage space efficiency is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rack into detachable modules, the structure can be completely disassembled when not in use. This eliminates the need to store the entire rack structure, as only individual components need storage space, significantly reducing the volume required for storage while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components can be nested or stacked together in a compact manner when disassembled. The connecting strips and support plates can be arranged to occupy minimal storage volume, similar to nested dolls, while still providing the same structural integrity when assembled into the rack configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination rack structure includes a predetermined number of support plates, connecting strips and side frames. Each of the support plates has a rectangular shape. Each of the connecting strips is provided with three holding grooves each longitudinally extended through each of the connecting strips. Each of the connecting strips has a periphery provided with elongate recessed portions each located between any two of the holding grooves. Each of the recessed portions is provided with a plurality of extensions which are perpendicular to an axial direction of each of the recessed portions and are spaced from each other with a proper interval. The extensions are used for holding and resting. Each of the side frames is bent to have a hexagonal shape. The support plates are combined with the connecting strips to construct a hexagonal rack.