Modular Petal-Based Rack for Adaptable Drying and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drying and storage rack designs are limited in accommodating objects of various shapes and sizes, often requiring specific configurations that do not accommodate items from different manufacturers or designs, leading to clutter and inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
A modular, self-supporting rack system featuring flexible inserts made of resilient materials, which can be mounted under cabinets or shelves, and includes a frame and bracket arrangement that allows for adjustable positioning and easy cleaning, accommodating objects of different shapes and sizes through a petal arrangement that provides frictional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If specialized storage racks are designed for specific items (e.g., stemmed wine glasses, baby bottle components), then those specific items can be stored, but the racks cannot accommodate items from other manufacturers or with different designs
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into multiple independent modules, each consisting of a base, vertical support, and removable insert. These modules can be individually configured and arranged to accommodate different item sizes and shapes, allowing the system to adapt to various storage needs without requiring a completely different rack design.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack incorporates adjustable and removable components, including inserts that can be taken out and reconfigured. This dynamic structure allows users to modify the rack's configuration to match different storage requirements, transforming a static storage solution into an adaptable system.
2Area of stationary object
If racks are placed on countertops or tabletops to provide storage, then items can be stored and dried, but valuable surface area in kitchens, bathrooms, laboratories, and workshops is taken up
Solution Approach 1:
The rack utilizes vertical space by extending upward from the countertop or tabletop surface, rather than expanding horizontally. This vertical configuration allows items to be stored and dried without occupying valuable surface area, while remaining easily accessible through the vertical arrangement of modules.
3Ease of repair
If fixed configuration racks are used for specific items, then those items can be stored, but the racks cannot be easily cleaned or reconfigured for different purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The rack's modular design with separable components (base, vertical support, inserts) enables easy disassembly for cleaning and reconfiguration. Each module can be independently cleaned and rearranged, maintaining simplicity in maintenance while providing flexibility in configuration.
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
The system effectively supports a variety of objects, including baby bottles, tools, and laboratory equipment, by providing a flexible and modular solution that frees up counter and workbench space, allowing for efficient storage and drying while being easy to clean and reconfigure.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible insert is formed of a resilient material
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of petals are configured for removably holding at least one of the plurality of articles therein without any additional support mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A rack system for removably supporting a plurality of articles therein includes a membrane for accommodating at least one of the plurality of articles therein and including at least in part a resilient material forming a plurality of petals defining an opening. The system further includes an attachment arrangement configured for attaching to an external surface. The membrane and the attachment arrangement are configured to collaborate to support the membrane at a predetermined distance from the external surface. The plurality of petals are configured for removably holding at least one of the plurality of articles inserted into the opening. In an embodiment, the system includes a sub-frame for providing structural integrity to the membrane. Alternatively, the membrane is at least in part formed of a stiff material surrounding the petals such that the membrane is attachable to the attachment arrangement in a self-supporting manner.