Modular support and storage assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for portable, compact, and modular storage and support solutions that can accommodate various objects with varying shapes and weights, particularly in outdoor and water-based recreational settings, such as near pools, while being robust and easy to install.

Innovation Solution

A modular article support assembly with a primary support sleeve and secondary sleeves, secured by a base and upper anchor, which can be inserted into ground apertures and anchored with an elongated tubular element, using PVC and PET materials for strength and stability, and incorporating foam sealant for additional rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the support assembly uses multiple support sleeves (one primary and four secondary) to accommodate various attachments, then the adaptability and versatility improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate various attachmentsVSAvoidnumber of support sleeves and components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly uses standardized support sleeves with universal coupling mechanisms that can accommodate multiple types of attachments (towel racks, phone holders, beverage holders, tables, sports equipment) through a common interface system, allowing one structural component to serve multiple functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly is divided into modular components including a primary support sleeve, four secondary support sleeves, base anchor, upper collar, and post, which can be independently manufactured, assembled, and configured to meet different support requirements while maintaining overall system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the assembly uses a robust anchoring system with base anchor and upper collar to ensure stability, then the reliability improves, but the weight and ease of portability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability and security of anchoringVSAvoidweight of anchor components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring system is segmented into a base anchor for ground insertion and an upper collar for securing the post, allowing the heavy anchoring components to remain stationary while the upper portions can be configured or removed as needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring function is extracted into dedicated base anchor and upper collar components that are separate from the support sleeves and attachments, concentrating the stability-providing mass in fixed elements while keeping the modular attachment portions lighter and more portable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If the support sleeves are made from polyvinyl chloride material, then the ease of manufacture and cost improve, but the strength and durability compared to metal materials worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicity and costVSAvoidstructural strength of support sleeves

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support sleeves are manufactured from polyvinyl chloride, a plastic material that combines adequate structural strength for outdoor recreational use with advantages in corrosion resistance, weatherability, and ease of manufacturing through extrusion or molding processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The material selection shifts from traditional metal to polyvinyl chloride, changing the physical and chemical parameters of the support sleeves to achieve a balance between strength, weight, corrosion resistance, and manufacturing efficiency appropriate for the intended application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides a lightweight, durable, and versatile support system that can securely hold a variety of attachments, including tables, umbrellas, and sports equipment, while withstanding wind and mechanical forces without additional weight, and allowing easy relocation.

Implementation Method 1

a foam sealant can be applied to the negative space between the four secondary support sleeves, the one primary support sleeve and the post, the base anchor, the upper collar, and the upper anchor host

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFoam sealant: Foam

Implementation Method 2

A skirt is frictionally engaged and secured to the base anchor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12605612B2Modular support and storage assembly

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 GGPP INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A modular support and storage assembly that can be installed into a ground anchor hole. The assembly includes five support sleeves that are fixed into a base anchor. The support sleeves are housed inside a post. A skirt sits atop the base anchor. An upper collar and an upper anchor host are situated atop the support sleeves. An anchor element is inserted into and through the assembly and into a ground anchor hole and fixes the assembly to the ground. The assembly is modular in that one or more sub-assemblies can be used to accommodate varying numbers of support structures, such as swing arms that hold electronic devices, towels, beverages, and electronic devices.