Modular storage assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage units are inflexible, requiring custom manufacturing for specific configurations, which is costly and inefficient in terms of time and material usage.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage assembly composed of identical modules with interchangeable uprights and bases, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without tools, and made from compact components to reduce material waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If storage units are made with fixed dimensions and number of lockers, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is divided into modular components including uprights of different heights, bases, and lockers that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation allows the system to be customized for different user requirements while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for each component type.
Solution Approach 2:
The uprights are designed with universal fixing lugs that can accommodate different configurations of lockers and bases. The standardized interface allows the same upright component to serve multiple functions in different storage unit configurations, achieving versatility without requiring custom manufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage units are custom-manufactured for specific configurations, then adaptability to user needs is improved, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the storage unit into pre-fabricated modular components, the system enables rapid assembly of custom configurations without requiring time-consuming custom manufacturing. Each component is standardized for efficient production but can be combined in numerous ways to meet specific user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are pre-manufactured and standardized in advance, with fixing lugs and connection points designed beforehand. This preliminary preparation of standardized parts allows for quick assembly of custom configurations, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site fabrication.
3Ease of operation
If modular components have large deployed volume, then ease of assembly is improved, but storage and shipping efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are designed to nest within each other when not in use. Lockers can be positioned inside or between uprights, and components can be stacked or nested together, significantly reducing the volume required for storage and shipping while maintaining ease of assembly when needed.
4Device complexity
If non-modular storage units are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but flexibility for reconfiguration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is segmented into discrete modular components with standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation maintains relative structural simplicity of each component while enabling flexible reconfiguration through various combinations of the same basic elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing lugs and connection mechanisms are designed to be dynamic and adjustable, allowing components to be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured. This dynamic connection system provides reconfiguration capability without requiring complex structural designs.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a storage assembly (1) of the type comprising at least one series (A, B, C) of at least one module (2), each module having a base (3) and perpendicular uprights (5) attached thereto. This storage assembly is characterized in that each upright consists of an angle element formed of two perpendicular flanges, namely a first flange and a second flange: - each end of the first flange terminates in a primary fixing tab, and each end of the second flange terminates in a secondary fixing tab, said fixing tabs extending inwards towards the interior of the angle element, - the distance between the primary fixing tab and the secondary fixing tab at each end of an upright (5) is equal to the thickness of the base (3) plus the thickness of the fixing tabs.