Modular Home Storage Assembly With Dovetail Expansion Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage systems are inflexible and lack customization options, leading to wasted space, disorganization, and inability to expand or rearrange storage configurations to fit varying item types and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage assembly with interchangeable modules that connect via dovetail joints, allowing for customizable configurations, expansion, and integration of various inserts such as trays and shelves, enabling flexible arrangement and use of space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage cabinets are made fixed or limited in configuration, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but the system lacks adaptability to different storage needs and item types
Solution Approach 1:
The storage cabinet is divided into multiple interchangeable modules that can be independently configured. Each module contains standardized components (side panels with tails, top/bottom panels with pins) that can be assembled in various combinations to create customized storage solutions for different spaces and storage needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal connecting mechanisms (dovetail joints with pins and tails) that allow the same basic components to serve multiple functions and configurations. The standardized module design enables a single set of components to create various storage arrangements adaptable to different item types and space requirements.
2Ease of operation
If storage cabinets are designed with fixed internal arrangements, then manufacturing is simpler, but the consumer cannot rearrange or reorganize stored items efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system transitions from a static fixed cabinet to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Modules can be easily disassembled and reassembled in different configurations, allowing consumers to adapt the storage arrangement as their needs change without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
3Volume of stationary object
If storage cabinets are made expandable with multiple modules, then storage capacity increases, but the connection and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple storage modules are merged into a unified system through standardized dovetail joints. The pin-and-tail connection mechanism allows modules to be combined horizontally or vertically to expand storage capacity while maintaining a relatively simple assembly process through the universal connecting system.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular storage system (240, 300) is described. A module (10) includes a back panel (12), a left and a right side panel (14a, 14b), and a top and a bottom panel (16). The side panels (14a, 14b,) have a substantially flat outer side and a ridged inner side comprised of alternating evenly spaced pins (18) and tails (20). Multiple modules (10) are connected to each other through various connector means (35, 37, 40) that slidably insert into the tails (20) of the side panels (14a, 14b). Various storage inserts (201, 209, 212, 219, 230, 252) are slidably insertable into the tails 20 of the side panels (14a, 14b). The configuration of the modules (10) and the inserts (201, 209, 212, 219, 230, 252) are customizable.