Modular Wall Storage Rails for Rapid Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional storage systems lack the ability to accommodate items of multiple shapes and sizes and do not allow for rapid customization to adapt to changing storage needs, often resulting in inefficient use of space.

Innovation Solution

A modular storage system that includes hang rails and vertical standards, along with adaptable modular components, which can be configured to connect to wall structures and each other, allowing for easy reconfiguration and expansion without damaging the walls, enabling flexible and secure storage solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If basic shelving or stacking methods are used, then the storage system is simple to implement, but it cannot accommodate items of multiple shapes and sizes and does not allow for rapid customization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate items of multiple shapes and sizesVSAvoidcomplexity of storage system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into modular components including vertical standards, horizontal rails, adjustable shelves, and mounting brackets. Each component can be independently configured and repositioned, allowing the system to adapt to various storage needs while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vertical standards and horizontal rails serve multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling shelf positioning at different heights, allowing attachment of mounting brackets for wall connection, and facilitating system expansion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for different storage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional storage systems are used, then installation is straightforward, but rapid customization to accommodate changing storage needs is not permitted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverapid customization capabilityVSAvoidtime required for reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as movable shelves, repositionable horizontal rails, and detachable mounting brackets. These dynamic components enable users to quickly reconfigure the storage system in response to changing needs without permanent modifications or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vertical standards are pre-drilled with multiple mounting holes at standardized intervals, and the horizontal rails come with pre-positioned connection points. This preliminary preparation of connection locations allows for rapid reconfiguration by simply moving components to different pre-defined positions rather than creating new mounting points each time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If storage systems are customized for specific needs, then storage efficiency is improved, but the system cannot be easily reconfigured when needs change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidreconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the storage system into standardized modular units, the design achieves both high storage efficiency through optimized component arrangement and reconfiguration flexibility. Each module can be independently adjusted or relocated, allowing the system to maintain peak efficiency while adapting to new storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If wall structures are modified to accommodate storage systems, then secure installation is achieved, but damage to wall structures occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation securityVSAvoiddamage to wall structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces mounting brackets and spreader bars as intermediary components between the storage system and wall structure. These intermediaries distribute mechanical loads across wider areas of the wall, reduce point-load stresses, and provide adjustable connection points that accommodate various wall types without requiring extensive drilling or structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8210368B2Storage systems and methods of use of the same

Publication Date: 2012.07.03 KNAPE & VOGT MANUFACTURING CO

AI summary

The storage systems are configured to be connected to wall structures and to be modular in construction, so as to be able to use a plurality of horizontally disposed hang rails and/or a plurality of vertical standards, and/or modular storage components that are received on a hang rail or a vertical standard, or that may be connected directly to a wall structure.