Modular Storage Frame With Adjustable Positioning Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage systems for hand tools and accessories lack flexibility and protection, with limited compatibility and ease of expansion, and do not provide secure and adaptable positioning of functional units.

Innovation Solution

A modular storage system with a frame unit that encloses a receiving area on multiple sides, featuring a coupling unit with multiple coupling elements for flexible assembly and disassembly, and a positioning unit for adjustable positioning of functional units, ensuring secure stand and protection against mechanical impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a modular storage system with multiple coupling elements is used, then flexibility and ease of expansion are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into multiple independent system modules that can be separately manufactured and assembled. Each module has standardized coupling elements that enable flexible combination while keeping individual module complexity low. The frame unit is separated from the functional unit, allowing independent design optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling elements are designed with universal compatibility across different system modules. The same coupling mechanism can connect various types of modules (storage cases, functional units, frames), reducing the need for specialized connection hardware and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a frame unit encloses the receiving area on multiple sides, then protection against mechanical impacts is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against mechanical impactsVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame unit is designed as a separate enclosure from the functional unit, allowing the protective structure to be optimized independently. The frame provides impact protection while the functional unit can be easily attached and detached through the coupling elements, maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling elements act as intermediaries between the frame unit and functional unit. They provide a standardized interface that allows easy attachment and detachment while maintaining the protective enclosure structure, resolving the conflict between protection and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a positioning unit with multiple locking positions is provided, then reliability of positioning is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of positioningVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is segmented into the positioning unit with locking elements, separate from the main frame and functional unit. This allows the positioning mechanism to be optimized for reliability while keeping the overall system modular and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking elements are designed to automatically engage and lock the functional unit in specific positions without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The spring-loaded locking elements self-actuate when the functional unit is inserted, providing reliable positioning with minimal complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2753459B1System module
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2753459B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2753459B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A system module is proposed for a storage system with at least one frame unit (10), with at least one coupling unit (12) provided for a coupling, which can be disengaged by a user, with at least one part of at least one additional system module (14), and with at least one functional unit (16), which is arranged at least substantially inside a space (18) spanned by the frame unit (10), and with at least one positioning unit (20), which is provided to position the functional unit (16) relative to the frame unit (10) in at least two at least substantially different positions.