Modular Overhead Storage Rack With Snap-Fit Width Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead storage racks are limited in width, requiring multiple sizes to accommodate different user demands, leading to increased inventory costs and storage space consumption.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage system comprising rectangular platforms with snap-fit connections and telescoping legs, allowing for adjustable length and width configurations, enabling easy assembly and use of various materials like plastic, metal, or wood, with polymeric rings for noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage racks are manufactured in multiple widths to accommodate different user demands, then customer needs are met, but inventory costs and storage space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage rack is divided into multiple platforms that can be connected in series, and each platform is divided into segments that can be connected along the width. This segmentation allows the rack to be configured in different widths by connecting appropriate numbers of segments, eliminating the need to manufacture and store multiple fixed-width rack models.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack width is made adjustable and reconfigurable through user-operable coupling mechanisms that allow segments to be connected or disconnected. This dynamic configuration capability enables a single rack design to adapt to different width requirements, replacing the static multiple-width-model approach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage racks are manufactured in multiple widths to accommodate different user demands, then customer needs are met, but floor and storage space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the platform width into modular units that can be connected, the rack design consolidates multiple width configurations into a single product line. This reduces the storage space needed at manufacturing facilities and distribution centers compared to storing multiple complete rack models of different widths.
Solution Approach 2:
A single rack design with modular segments serves multiple width requirements, making the product universal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage spaces for different width models, as one design can be configured for various widths.
3Ease of operation
If modular platforms with snap-fit connections are used, then assembly ease is improved, but connection strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into discrete snap-fit components that enable tool-free assembly. Each segment has integrated coupling features that provide sufficient strength for typical storage applications while maintaining ease of installation and reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system comprises a rack of multiple platforms connectable to one another in a first direction, where each of the platforms has segments that connect to one another along a direction other than the first direction, via a user-operable coupling. The platforms are preferably rectangular, and are connected at their long ends. The segments of each platform are also preferably rectangular, but they are connected along their long sides. In such embodiments, the connection between platforms is perpendicular to the length of the rack, while the connection between segments is parallel to the length of the rack. The segments of individual platforms are preferably coupled together with snap fit connections, and supported from their undersides by transverse supports, and the transverse supports are supported from their undersides by longitudinal supports via recesses on the segments. The transverse supports are preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal supports.