Mobile storage system with elevated platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile storage systems face challenges in maximizing storage density and accessibility in limited spaces, particularly when storage units extend high from the ground, as they often require moveable ladders for reaching elevated shelves, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A longitudinally extended and laterally movable storage assembly that allows rows of storage units to interlock with an elevated platform, enabling easy access to high shelves while allowing the rows to be moved apart for compact storage, featuring rollers, guide rails, and pivotable platform sections for flexible configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage units are extended high from the ground to maximize storage density, then storage capacity is improved, but accessibility to elevated shelves deteriorates requiring moveable ladders
Solution Approach 1:
An elevated platform acts as an intermediary structure between the ground and high shelves. The platform is movable and can be positioned between storage rows, providing a stable surface for accessing elevated shelves without requiring moveable ladders. This mediator structure resolves the contradiction by enabling safe access to high storage areas while maintaining the vertical extension of storage units.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system employs movable storage rows on wheels that can be dynamically repositioned. When access is needed, rows are moved apart to allow platform insertion; when not needed, rows are brought together for compact storage. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between high-density storage mode and accessible storage mode, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and accessibility.
2Area of stationary object
If storage rows are kept close together for compact storage, then space utilization is improved, but access to storage units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses movable storage rows that can dynamically change their spacing. Rows are equipped with wheels allowing them to be easily moved apart when access is required and brought close together for compact storage. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to switch between space-efficient configuration and access-friendly configuration as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is divided into discrete movable rows that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows individual rows to be moved apart to create access pathways while other rows remain in compact arrangement. The modular, segmented structure enables flexible configuration that balances space utilization with accessibility requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A movable storage assembly has first and second mobile storage units that are selectively movable towards and away from one another and are equipped with a deployable and retractable (or installable and removable) platform to facilitate access to upper regions of the storage units. The platform is movably coupled to one of the mobile storage units and can be repositioned between a deployed or installed position in which the platform interlocks the first storage unit to the second storage forming an elevated walking or standing surface therebetween, and a retracted or removed position in which the platform is partially disconnected to allow the first mobile storage unit to move independently and into close proximity with the second mobile storage unit.