Customizable modular storage unit organizer apparatus, system and method of using same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage unit organizers are often bulky, rigid, and not customizable, making them inefficient for varying cabinet and closet sizes, and require extensive inventory of fixed components.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage unit organizer system comprising adjustable slides, hollow cross bars, and retainer clips that allow for customizable configurations, enabling easy assembly and reconfiguration to fit different spaces and sizes, with components that can be cut and assembled on-site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If organizers are manufactured integrally or with fixed components, then structural strength and stability are improved, but adaptability and ease of customization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The organizer is divided into separate modular components including slide covers, slides, cross bars, and retainer clips that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for strength while the overall system gains adaptability through reconfigurable assembly of these standardized parts.
2Stability of the object's composition
If organizers are constructed with rigid attachment methods (welding, screwing), then structural stability is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from static rigid connections to dynamic reversible connections using retainer clips that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The clips work with recesses in the slides to provide stable yet reconfigurable connections, allowing the structure to be assembled and disassembled repeatedly without permanent attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Retainer clips serve as intermediary components between the slide covers and slides, providing a simple mechanical connection that balances stability with ease of assembly. The clips engage with recesses to secure components while allowing for quick release and reconfiguration.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-depth components are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different cabinet sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slide covers and slides are designed as universal components with standardized interfaces that can accommodate multiple cabinet depths and configurations. The cross bars can be positioned at various locations along the slides, and the retainer clips work with recesses at different positions, allowing the same basic components to adapt to different cabinet sizes without requiring custom-manufactured parts.
4Reliability
If extensive inventory of fixed components is maintained, then product availability is improved, but storage space and inventory costs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the organizer into a limited set of standardized modular components, the system reduces inventory requirements compared to offering many different fixed configurations. A small number of slide covers, slides, cross bars, and retainer clips can be combined in multiple ways to create various organizer configurations, minimizing the storage space needed for inventory while maintaining product availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A customizable modular storage unit organizer apparatus with a pair of slides, a pair of slide covers, a pair of cross bars, a pair of retainer clips, and a container for storing articles within the apparatus. The cross bars extend between, are affixed to the slide covers, and have two distal ends, top, bottom, first and second side portions, a slot extending longitudinally along the length of the exterior surface of cross bars for accommodating attachments. The retainer clips allow the slide covers to be selectively, repeatedly, and releasably retained to the slides. The size of the enclosure formed between the slide covers and cross bars may be modified by adjusting the positions of the cross bars on the slide covers.