Modular Cell Storage Tray for Standard Drawer Organization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage solutions often fail to provide adequate sizing for specific items, leading to disorganization, and customized solutions can be costly and limited in their application.
Innovation Solution
A substantially rigid, formed tray with a plurality of cells and pegs, designed to fit within standard cabinetry drawers, offering adjustable and modular compartments to accommodate various item sizes, made from materials like injection molded plastic, wood, or metal, ensuring durability and ease of cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If generic storage solutions are used, then cost is reduced, but sizing adequacy for specific items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tray is divided into multiple cells of different sizes and configurations. Each cell can be optimized for specific item types (e.g., small cells for screws, larger cells for tools), allowing the generic tray to adapt to various storage needs without requiring custom manufacturing for each item type.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray design incorporates multiple cell sizes and shapes within a single generic structure, enabling it to store diverse items (screws, nuts, bolts, tools, etc.) simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows one generic tray to replace multiple specialized storage solutions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized storage solutions are used, then sizing adequacy for specific items is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating entirely custom storage solutions for each item type, the tray is segmented into standardized cell configurations that can be mixed and matched. This allows customization at the cell level while maintaining economies of scale in manufacturing the overall tray structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions (cells) of the tray have different sizes, shapes, and depths optimized for specific item types, while the overall tray structure remains a standardized generic form. This local customization within a global standard resolves the contradiction between adequacy and cost.
3Ease of operation
If repetitive access to items in drawers occurs, then accessibility is improved, but organization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the drawer space into discrete cells, each item type has a designated home. This segmentation maintains organization by preventing items from mixing during access, while still allowing quick retrieval since items are clearly separated and visible in their respective cells.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cell provides a localized organized space for specific item types, allowing frequent access to those items without disrupting the organization of other cells. The localized containment in each cell prevents disorganization even during repetitive access cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the disclosure provide a storage apparatus comprising a substantially rigid, formed tray having a plurality of cells configured to provide separate storage compartments. The storage apparatus has a height, width, and depth configured for implementation within a standard sized cabinetry drawer.