Modular Locker Cabinet Shell for Flexible Door and Shelf Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing of lockers from molded plastics materials requires a wide range of components and configurations to accommodate different sizes and capacities, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular locker design where a single cabinet shell can be molded into different sizes and configurations by selectively trimming the front face and inserting shelves or dividers, allowing for the creation of multiple lockers with varying door sizes using a hinge arrangement with knuckles and projections, enabling flexibility and cost savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different sizes and configurations of lockers are provided to meet various storage needs, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase due to the need for multiple components and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized cabinet shell that can serve multiple functions and configurations. The cabinet shell is designed with universal features including standardized hinge arrangements, latch mechanisms, and internal support structures that can accommodate different door configurations and shelf arrangements. This allows one basic cabinet design to be adapted for various locker sizes and layouts without requiring entirely different components for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the locker system into modular components: a standardized cabinet shell, interchangeable doors, shelves, and divider elements. The cabinet shell serves as the universal base unit, while accessories like doors and shelves can be selectively added or removed to create different configurations. This modular approach allows flexibility in creating various locker sizes while maintaining a consistent core structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cabinet shell designs are created to accommodate different locker sizes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing costs and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality in manufacturing by creating a single standardized cabinet shell design that can be produced using one mold or manufacturing template. This universal cabinet shell can then be configured into different locker sizes through the addition or removal of internal elements rather than requiring different shell designs. This significantly reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to provide various locker configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standardized cabinet shell design is used for all locker configurations, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but adaptability and design flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cabinet shell configuration adaptable and changeable rather than fixed. The standardized shell includes built-in flexibility features such as adjustable support means for shelves and dividers, and hinge arrangements that can accommodate different door positions and configurations. This allows the basic shell to dynamically adapt to different design requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the fixed standardized shell from the variable configuration elements. The shell provides the stable, easily manufactured base structure, while doors, shelves, and dividers are separate modular components that can be selectively assembled to achieve different designs. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while providing design flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a locker (10) uses a cabinet (20) having a rear wall, a top (24), a base and opposed side walls (22). The side walls defining support means (40) for supporting and preferably engaging the side edges of a shelf or cabinet divider, projecting into the cabinet. The cabinet (20) is configured to receive a door (12, 14, 16) mounted to one side of the cabinet by means of a hinge arrangement. The hinge arrangement includes one or more knuckles (30) defined on the door, and a series of projections (32) extending along the one side of the cabinet, spaces being defined between the projections (32) for receiving a knuckle (30) of a door therebetween. The support means (40) are defined adjacent the projections (32) and between the recesses moulded. The cabinet is moulded with a closed front face and the front face is selectively removed to define one or more apertures. Next one or more dividers or shelves is/are inserted into the cabinet as required and one or more doors are attached to the cabinet.