Modular Storage Device with Driven Guide System for Secure Bicycle Parking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for storing bicycles and other objects in urban areas, such as train stations and park and ride facilities, lack effective protection against theft and damage, and inefficiently utilize space, with existing systems requiring large floor areas and offering limited protection against unauthorized access and weather exposure.

Innovation Solution

A modular, multifunctional storage device utilizing sea containers with a driven and rotating guide system, allowing for efficient storage and relocation of various items, including bicycles, while providing secure and weather-protected access through modular design, elevator units, and customizable storage elements, ensuring optimal space utilization and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If bicycles are stored on open support elements in the upper position, then protection against weather influences is improved, but access to stored bicycles becomes difficult and unauthorized access is easier

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweather protectionVSAvoidaccess to stored bicycles
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into multiple compartments or sections within the container, allowing bicycles to be stored in separated spaces. This segmentation provides weather protection while maintaining organized access paths for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A controlled access mechanism or interface is introduced between the user and the stored bicycles. This intermediary system (such as a locking mechanism or access control system) enables protected storage while facilitating authorized retrieval without exposing bicycles to unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If box-like storage structures are used with front openings, then protection against theft and damage is improved, but floor space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against theft and damageVSAvoidfloor space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system transitions from a ground-level horizontal layout to a vertical three-dimensional structure. By stacking storage compartments vertically within the container, the system achieves enhanced protection while minimizing the footprint on the ground, effectively utilizing vertical space instead of horizontal space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Storage compartments are nested or stacked within the container structure, with smaller storage units placed inside or upon larger ones. This nesting approach maximizes the use of available vertical and horizontal space within the container, providing secure storage without requiring excessive floor area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular storage containers are used, then adaptability to different storage needs is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility for different storage needsVSAvoidmodular system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container system is designed with universal, standardized modules that can serve multiple storage functions. Each modular unit is equipped with standardized interfaces and features (such as uniform locking mechanisms, access points, and mounting options) that allow them to be configured for different storage needs while maintaining a relatively simple individual structure, thus balancing versatility with complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3981714A1Multi-functional storage device
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 MACHT MATTHIAS
  • EP3981714A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3981714A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3981714A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a multifunctional storage device on a modular, box-like base in prefabricated storage containers in a horizontal distribution plane, wherein in a box-like base (1) a series of receptacles (2) for storage elements (3) are guided on a driven guide system (4) by means of at least two laterally arranged coupling points (5) on two levels, the guide system being designed such that it is arranged on the inner sides of two opposing walls (1a) of the box-like base (1) and the receptacle (2) for storage elements (3) connected to the guide system (4) by means of the coupling points (5) is guided through the box-like base (1) over both levels, wherein at least one of two lifting areas (6), in which the receptacles (2) are raised or lowered to the next level,the storage elements (3) are made available to users via an access point (7) for depositing or removing stored goods into or from the storage elements (3).