Modular Rack Platform With Adjustable Stanchions for Reusable Article Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rack systems for manufacturing facilities are often custom-made for specific articles, leading to inefficiencies and waste when production demands change, as they require scrapping and re-manufacturing when article types or production levels change.
Innovation Solution
A modular rack system with a platform featuring uniformly dispersed engagement members and adjustable modular stanchions that can be easily reconfigured to support and transport articles of varying sizes and dimensions, allowing for flexible adaptation to different articles without the need for extensive retooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom-made racks are produced for specific articles, then the racks can precisely support the specific article, but the racks cannot be reused for different article types leading to waste
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is divided into separate modular components: a base unit and multiple interchangeable article holders. Each holder can be detached and replaced independently, allowing the same base to support different article types without replacing the entire rack structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with universal engagement features that can accommodate multiple types of article holders through standardized coupling mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows a single base to serve different purposes by simply changing the attached holder.
2Productivity
If custom racks are manufactured for each article type, then the racks fit specific articles perfectly, but increasing production volume requires increasing rack quantity leading to higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where article holders can be quickly attached and detached. This dynamic capability allows the same physical rack to adapt to different production needs without requiring additional racks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables change in the functional parameters of the rack by swapping article holders with different characteristics (size, shape, capacity). This parameter change approach allows one rack structure to serve multiple functions that would traditionally require multiple specialized racks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new racks are manufactured when manufacturing practices change, then the racks can support new parts or products, but the old racks must be scrapped
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is pre-designed with standardized engagement features that anticipate future article holder variations. This preliminary design decision enables compatibility with multiple future article types without requiring modifications to the base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The article-specific features are extracted from the main rack structure and placed in separate, interchangeable holder components. This extraction allows the core base structure to remain unchanged while adapting to new article types through simple component replacement rather than complete retooling.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rack system (100) for supporting and transporting various articles (104) between various locations of a manufacturing facility is described. The rack system (100) includes a platform (106) having a plurality of engagement members (112) dispersed and arrayed uniformly across an expanse of the platform (106) and one or more modular stanchions (108). Each modular stanchion (108) of the one or more modular stanchions (108) includes a base (142) engageable with at least two engagement members (112) of the plurality of engagement members (112) for mounting and positioning the corresponding modular stanchion (108) at various locations across the expanse of the platform (106) and a surface (172) configured to seat a corresponding article (104) and being extendable and retractable with respect to the base (142).