Locker system modification kit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard storage lockers are limited in their ability to accommodate a larger volume of clothing and other items in an organized manner, making it difficult to access stored items due to their narrow and shallow design.
Innovation Solution
A kit that includes structural members with notched and slotted components, allowing for the conversion of standard lockers into ergonomic storage lockers with a repositionable support bar, enabling efficient storage and access by sliding the bar between tracks, thus expanding storage capacity and improving ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard lockers are designed with fixed narrow and shallow dimensions, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but storage capacity and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a repositionable support bar that can slide along tracks mounted on the locker back wall, allowing users to dynamically adjust the bar's position to accommodate different storage needs. This dynamic mechanism transforms a static locker into an adaptable storage system without requiring complex reconstruction of the entire locker structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion kit divides the locker interior into functional zones using the adjustable support bar, which can be positioned at different heights and depths to create separate storage areas. This segmentation allows efficient organization of clothing and other items while maintaining the original locker's simple external structure.
2Ease of operation
If items are stored deep within narrow lockers, then storage volume is maximized, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable support bar can be repositioned to bring stored items closer to the front of the locker when needed, improving accessibility without permanently reducing storage volume. Users can slide the bar forward to access items that would otherwise be trapped at the back, then reposition it afterward to maximize storage capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If clothing is hung on fixed bars, then organization is achieved, but adaptability to different storage needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support bar converts from a fixed structural element to a dynamic, user-adjustable component that can be positioned at various heights and depths along the tracks. This allows the same simple conversion kit to accommodate diverse storage needs whether for hanging clothes, folding items, or creating dividers.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable support bar serves multiple functions: it can act as a hanging rod, a shelf support, a divider, or be repositioned to create different storage configurations. This multi-functionality is achieved through the simple track mechanism that allows free movement along the locker's back wall.
Data Source
AI summary
A kit, including first and second structural members, each having an elongated, generally flat intermediate member with a proximal end and a distal end and a first face and an oppositely disposed second face, an elongated, generally flat notched distal member connected to and extending from the distal end of the elongated, generally flat intermediate member, and an elongated proximal member connected to and extending from the proximal end of the elongated, generally flat intermediate member. Respective elongated slots for receiving a dowel rod formed in the first face of the first elongated proximal member and the second face of the second elongated proximal member. A plurality of fastener apertures are formed through the elongated proximal member. The kit also includes a pair of dowel rods for engaging the elongated slots and a plurality of fasteners for securing the first and second structural members to a locker wall.