Integrated Mobile Storage Unit Frame Without Separate Carriage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile storage systems require separate carriage and storage unit assemblies, leading to increased parts, assembly time, and shipping costs, with large structures being fabricated and shipped individually.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile wheel support assembly integrates upright and transverse shelf support members with wheel units, allowing for on-site construction of mobile storage units using a minimal number of tools and reducing the need for separate carriages, with components shipped in a knock-down configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate carriage assembly is used with storage units, then the system provides reliable and proven structural support, but the number of parts increases and assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the carriage frame structure and storage unit support into a single integrated assembly. The upright support members directly engage with the wheel units, eliminating the need for separate carriage structures while maintaining structural integrity and support reliability.
2Reliability
If a separate carriage assembly is used with storage units, then the system provides reliable and proven structural support, but assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the support structure and wheel units into a single assembly, the number of assembly steps is reduced. The upright support members are pre-configured to engage directly with the wheel units, eliminating the need for separate carriage assembly operations.
3Strength
If large carriage structures are fabricated at a manufacturing facility and shipped individually, then the structures provide adequate strength and rigidity, but shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into modular components including wheel units, upright support members, and shelf support members that can be manufactured separately and shipped in a knock-down configuration. These segments are then assembled on-site to form the complete storage unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The individual components are pre-manufactured with engagement features and connection points that enable easy on-site assembly. The upright support members include engaged portions that directly interface with the wheel units, allowing for quick assembly without requiring complex fabrication operations at the installation site.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a separate carriage assembly is used, then the system provides proven structural integrity, but the system requires significant number of parts and complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the carriage frame and storage unit support functions into a single integrated assembly where upright support members directly engage with wheel units. This eliminates the need for separate carriage structures while maintaining structural integrity through direct engagement mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile storage unit for a mobile storage system includes a pair of axially extending wheel units, each of which defines spaced apart end areas and includes a wheel arrangement. A storage unit support structure is interconnected with the wheel units, and includes upright support members and shelf support members. A pair of upright support members are engaged with and supported by the end areas of each wheel unit. A lowermost shelf support member is secured to an end area of one of the wheel units. The lowermost shelf support members are secured to the upright support members and to the end areas of the wheel units. Each end area of each wheel unit includes an upwardly facing engagement surface, and the lowermost shelf support member is secured to the upwardly facing engagement surface. The upright support members are also supported by the upwardly facing engagement surface.