Modular Compartmented Assembly for Custom Tool Storage Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compartmented storage solutions are not customizable to accommodate a wide range of item shapes and sizes, leading to inefficiencies in organization and retrieval, particularly in professional settings where specific arrangements of tools are needed.
Innovation Solution
A compartmented assembly comprising a bottom panel, side panels, and divider panels with notches, tabs, and apertures that can be interlocked and secured with adhesive, allowing users to design custom compartments and sub-compartments of varying sizes and arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If generic mass-produced trays are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different item shapes and sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into modular components including base units, divider panels, and adjustable compartments that can be configured in different arrangements. Each component is standardized for easy manufacturing but can be combined in numerous ways to accommodate different item shapes and sizes, resolving the contradiction between mass-producibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as movable divider panels and adjustable compartments that allow the storage structure to adapt dynamically to different storage needs. This enables a single standardized product line to serve multiple customization requirements without requiring custom manufacturing for each configuration.
2Device complexity
If fixed compartment arrangements are used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different storage requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system uses segmented, modular components that can be independently manufactured with simple geometries but assembled into complex, customized configurations. Divider panels and compartments are separate elements that can be positioned to create various compartment arrangements, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized components serve multiple functions and can be used in various configurations to meet different storage requirements. The same base unit and divider panel designs can be arranged differently to accommodate tools, utensils, or other items with varying shapes and sizes, reducing the need for multiple specialized product designs.
3Productivity
If items are stored in a disorderly fashion, then storage space utilization is maximized, but time to locate items increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates specialized storage zones with specific characteristics for different types of items. Each compartment can be optimized for particular item types (e.g., sized for specific tool shapes or utensil types), making items easily locatable through their designated positions while maintaining efficient space utilization through customized compartment layouts.
Data Source
AI summary
Compartmented assemblies related to customizable storage compartments. A bottom panel, side panels, and divider panels may be configured in any combination to form a compartmented assembly with a primary compartment comprising at least two sub-compartments. A method of designing and constructing compartmented assemblies is described. A graphical user interface may be used to format a design which may be transmitted to associated machinery for automated cutting of the component panels. Series of notches, tabs, and apertures are used for mating adjacent panels to one another. Adhesive may be inserted into joints for securing the panels.