Mobile storage for modular systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool storage units within modular systems experience rattling during transit and are difficult to access quickly, especially when stored in moving vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The development of support structures with slidable shelves and handle-actuated locking mechanisms that securely stow the shelves during transit while providing easy access, along with brace structures for stability and stackable components for efficient packaging and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If shelves are made fixed and rigid in storage units, then stability during transit is improved, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed to be dynamically changeable between fixed and movable states. During transit, the shelf locks into a fixed position providing stability. During access operations, the shelf can be moved or removed to facilitate quick retrieval of items, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage unit is divided into modular components including removable shelves and separable coupling mechanisms. This segmentation allows the shelf to be independently moved or removed without affecting the entire storage unit, enabling easy access while maintaining overall structural integrity during transit.
2Ease of manufacture
If storage units are designed as integrated single pieces, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but packaging efficiency and assembly ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is designed as an assembly of separate modular components including base, walls, shelves, and coupling elements. These segmented parts can be packaged in compact configurations and assembled at the point of use, improving packaging efficiency while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized component production.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed to nest within each other during packaging, with smaller parts fitting into larger components. This nesting arrangement significantly reduces packaging volume and improves shipping efficiency while the components remain simple to manufacture individually.
3Reliability
If coupling mechanisms are made complex to ensure secure attachment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism incorporates self-latching features and automatic engagement elements that secure the storage unit to the support structure without requiring complex manual operations. The design provides reliable attachment through self-actuating mechanisms that reduce operational complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized interface or intermediary coupling element is introduced between the storage unit and support structure. This intermediary component simplifies the coupling mechanism by providing a universal connection point that ensures reliable attachment while reducing the complexity of direct coupling designs.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more support platforms for a modular system are provided. The support platforms are configured to detachably support and optionally couple with utility modules in a system, such as modular tool storage units. The support platforms include one or more components, such as shelves and/or top panels, that include couplers configured to coupled to modular tool storage units.