Modular Shelf Cut-Out Structure for Tall Item Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional storage systems lack efficient storage solutions for long items, as they typically require dedicated spaces or elongated compartments, which can be inefficient in terms of space utilization and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of modular shelves with cut-out portions extending from the front face to the rear, allowing for extended storage spaces between shelves, and complementary cover members that can be attached to cover these cut-outs, providing additional storage capacity and flexibility by creating continuous spaces for taller items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional storage systems use standard shelves with fixed height, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they cannot store items taller than the shelf height and waste vertical space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity for items of various heightsVSAvoidshelf structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf is divided into a front portion and a rear portion with a cut-out section between them. This segmentation allows the shelf to accommodate items of varying heights by removing the obstructing rear portion, while retaining the front portion for support and stability. The cut-out enables storage of tall items without requiring complete shelf removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shelf design allows dynamic reconfiguration between two states: with the rear portion present for standard storage, or with the cut-out created for tall item storage. This dynamic adaptability enables the same shelf structure to serve multiple storage needs without requiring separate dedicated spaces for different item types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated elongated cabinets are used for long items, then storage for tall items is enabled, but space utilization becomes inefficient and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibility for different item typesVSAvoidstorage space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The modular shelf with cut-out capability serves multiple functions: it can store both standard-height items (when rear portion is present) and tall items (when cut-out is created). This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated cabinets for different item types, allowing a single storage unit to handle diverse storage needs efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating dedicated elongated horizontal spaces for tall items, the invention utilizes the vertical dimension by selectively removing the rear portion of shelves. This dimensional approach allows tall items to be stored within the existing footprint of the storage unit, maximizing space utilization without requiring additional horizontal area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If modular shelves with cut-out portions are used, then storage capacity for tall items is enhanced and space utilization improves, but the shelf structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity and space utilizationVSAvoidmodular shelf structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shelf structure allows for parameter changes in its configuration - specifically, the rear portion can be present or removed to create the cut-out. This parameter change enables the shelf to adapt to different storage requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that can be manufactured using standard processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the cut-out portion is made removable with cover members, then adaptability for different storage configurations is improved, but device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable storage configurationsVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cut-out rear portion is designed as a removable component that can be detached and reattached, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the shelf. Cover members can be attached to the cut-out portion when removed, enabling the system to adapt between different storage configurations (standard vs. tall item storage) while maintaining a manageable number of components through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10028584B2Storage system

Publication Date: 2018.07.24 KETER PLASTIC LTD

AI summary

Provided is a storage system including at least one shelf support and one or more modular shelves supported by the at least one shelf support. The at least one of the one or more modular shelves is configured with at least one cut-out portion extending from a front face of the one or more modular shelves towards a rear portion thereof.