Modular Overhead Storage Rack for Custom Width Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead storage racks are limited in width, requiring wholesalers and retailers to stock multiple widths, leading to increased inventory costs and storage space consumption.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage system comprising multiple rectangular platforms connected via snap-fit mechanisms and supported by adjustable telescoping legs, allowing for customizable width and length configurations without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If overhead storage racks are manufactured in multiple widths to accommodate different user demands, then customer needs are met, but inventory costs and storage space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage rack is divided into multiple platform modules that can be connected in series. Each platform has a standardized width, but multiple platforms can be joined to create custom total widths, eliminating the need to manufacture and store racks in every possible width configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
A single platform module design serves multiple width requirements when combined with other identical modules. The universal connection system allows the same basic unit to function in various configurations, reducing the variety of SKUs needed in inventory.
2Adaptability or versatility
If overhead storage racks are manufactured in multiple widths to accommodate different user demands, then customer needs are met, but floor and storage space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rack into standardized platform modules, the system reduces the variety of unique rack designs that must be stored in the manufacturer's facility. Only one or a few module types need to be kept in inventory rather than multiple complete rack designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular platforms can be nested or stacked in a compact arrangement during storage and shipping, maximizing space utilization in the manufacturer's warehouse and reducing the overall storage footprint.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional storage racks use fixed-width designs, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different user demands is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is segmented into identical, standardized platform modules that are all manufactured using the same processes. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling width customization through the combination of these standard modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical platform modules are merged together through standardized connection mechanisms to create racks of various widths. The merging process is simplified by using uniform connection points and attachment methods across all modules.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system comprises a rack of multiple platforms connectable to one another in a first direction, where each of the platforms has segments that connect to one another along a direction other than the first direction, via a user-operable coupling. The platforms are preferably rectangular, and are connected at their long ends. The segments of each platform are also preferably rectangular, but they are connected along their long sides. In such embodiments, the connection between platforms is perpendicular to the length of the rack, while the connection between segments is parallel to the length of the rack. The segments of individual platforms are preferably coupled together with snap fit connections, and supported from their undersides by transverse supports, and the transverse supports are supported from their undersides by longitudinal supports via recesses on the segments. The transverse supports are preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal supports.