Modular Cable Wine Rack with Height-Adjustable Support Blocks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wine rack systems lack a modular, adjustable, and cost-effective solution for suspending wine bottles from a ceiling to a floor, offering limited flexibility and aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

A modular cable wine rack system comprising taut steel cables and wood support blocks that height-adjustably suspend wine bottles between a ceiling and a floor, using ceiling and floor anchors for stability, with distance/stability tubes for added support and aesthetic cradling of bottles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a modular cable wine rack system is used, then flexibility and aesthetic appeal are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wine rack system is divided into modular components: multiple cables, multiple support blocks, distance/stability tubes, and anchors. These segmented elements can be independently selected, arranged, and configured to create custom rack designs, providing flexibility while keeping individual components simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support blocks serve multiple functions: they engage with the cables to provide structural support, suspend wine bottles at adjustable heights, and work with distance/stability tubes to maintain spacing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components, simplifying the overall system while enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If height-adjustable support blocks are used, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support blocks are designed to be dynamically adjustable along the cables rather than being fixed at predetermined positions. This allows users to adjust bottle suspension heights after installation, providing adaptability without requiring precise pre-manufacturing of specific height configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The height adjustment capability is achieved through segmented positioning where support blocks can be placed at various intervals along the cables. This segmentation allows for flexible height configuration without requiring complex precision manufacturing, as the adjustability is built into the system's modular structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple cables and support blocks are used, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Stability is enhanced through localized elements: distance/stability tubes are positioned between specific support blocks to maintain spacing and prevent cable sagging at critical points. This localized reinforcement provides stability where needed without requiring complex overall structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges multiple simple elements (cables, support blocks, distance tubes, anchors) into a unified stable structure. The combination of these components working together creates overall stability that is greater than the sum of individual parts, while maintaining relative simplicity in each component's design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3177180B1Modular cable wine rack system
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 CHRISTIE MIGUEL D
  • EP3177180B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3177180B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3177180B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A modular rack system (30) suspends wine bottles (32) height adjustably from between a ceiling (34) and a floor (36). The modular rack system (30) includes a plurality of cables (38) and a plurality of support blocks (40). The plurality of cables (38) extend tautly from the ceiling (34) to the floor (36). The plurality of support blocks (40) height adjustably engage the plurality of cables (38) and suspend the wine bottles (32) height adjustably.