Modular Plate Storage System with Complementary Engagement Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems fail to provide a cost-efficient solution that ensures a tight fit and aesthetically appealing appearance while allowing for modular expansion and flexible item organization.
Innovation Solution
A storage system comprising plate-shaped members with complementary engagement structures that allow for seamless arrangement into a continuous sheet, featuring alternating projections and recesses for a tight fit and modular expansion, and openings for pegs to create customizable storage spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If plate-shaped members are arranged side by side to form a continuous sheet, then the storage system provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance and continuous support surface, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to the need for complementary engagement structures
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple plate-shaped members that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. Each plate-shaped member includes engagement structures (protrusions and recesses) that enable connection between adjacent plates, allowing the system to be produced in modular units and assembled into a continuous sheet configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjacent plate-shaped members are connected through engagement structures where protrusions on one plate fit into recesses on the adjacent plate. This merging of separate modular units creates a continuous sheet appearance while maintaining the benefits of modular manufacturing and assembly.
2Stability of the object's composition
If engagement structures are provided at edges of plate-shaped members, then relative movement between plates is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper fit
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structures utilize curved or rounded protrusions and corresponding recesses rather than sharp geometric features. This curvature provides tolerance for manufacturing variations while still effectively reducing relative movement between adjacent plate-shaped members during use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plate-shaped members are used to create modular storage system, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The plate-shaped members are designed as universal modular units that can function in multiple configurations. Each plate includes engagement structures that allow connection to adjacent plates in various arrangements, enabling the same basic component to serve multiple storage needs and adapt to different space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular plate-shaped members can be dynamically assembled and disassembled to reconfigure the storage system according to different needs. The engagement structures allow for easy connection and separation, enabling the system to adapt its configuration without permanent fixtures or complex assembly procedures.
4Ease of manufacture
If plate-shaped members are designed with straight edges, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to create tight fit without gaps is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall plate-shaped members maintain straight edges for easy manufacturing, the engagement structures incorporate curved protrusions and recesses at the connection points. This combination allows the plates to be easily fabricated with straight edges while still achieving tight, gap-free fits through the curved engagement features that accommodate manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a storage system (2) for storing items, wherein the storage system comprises a plurality of plate-shaped members (4, 6, 8), wherein each one of the 5 plate-shaped members comprises an upper support surface for supporting said items. Each one of two of the plate-shaped members (4, 6, 8) comprises an engagement structure provided at an edge of the plate-shaped member, wherein the engagement structures are of complimentary shape and dimension for engagement, and wherein the plate-shaped members (4, 6, 8) are arrangeable side by side with the engagement 10 structures in engagement so that the plate-shaped members jointly form a continuous sheet, wherein a first one (4) of the plate-shaped members comprises a first engagement structure (34) provided at an edge of the first plate-shaped member, wherein a second one (6) of the plate-shaped members comprises a second engagement structure (36) provided at an edge of the second plate-shaped member, and wherein the first 15 engagement structure and the second engagement structure are of complimentary shape and dimension for allowing engagement, characterized in that each one of the first plate- shaped member (4) and the second plate-shaped member (6) is defined by an edge (42, 44) extending along a straight line at an opposite side of the respective plate-shaped member in relation to the engagement structure (34, 36), and wherein a third one (8) of 20 the plate-shaped members comprises a third engagement structure (38) provided at an edge of the third plate-shaped member and a fourth engagement structure (40) provided at an edge of the third plate-shaped member, wherein the third engagement structure (38) and the fourth engagement structure (40) face in opposite directions, wherein the third engagement structure (38) and the first engagement structure (34) are of complimentary 25 shape and dimension for allowing engagement, and wherein the fourth engagement structure (40) and the second engagement structure (36) are of complimentary shape and dimension for allowing engagement.