Modular storage system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage systems for tools and equipment lack flexibility and accessibility, as they often require complex installation, are not easily expandable, and do not allow for quick object retrieval and repositioning.

Innovation Solution

A modular wall-mounted storage system featuring a mount with cleats and a retaining mechanism that allows for easy attachment and detachment of objects, along with a pivotally coupled workbench for versatile positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a modular storage system with cleats and brackets is used, then ease of operation and accessibility are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into separate modular components including mounts, cleats, brackets, and retaining members that can be independently installed and configured. This segmentation allows users to assemble the system in stages and access individual components for maintenance or reconfiguration, improving operational ease while managing complexity through modularity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleats are designed with standardized engagement features that work with multiple types of brackets and objects. The retaining members provide universal engagement with retention features across different bracket types, allowing a single mount system to support various storage configurations and object types, thereby improving accessibility without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a standardized connection mechanism is implemented, then adaptability and expansion capability are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexpansion capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cleats incorporate standardized engagement features with uniform dimensions and geometries that can interface with multiple bracket types and object configurations. This standardization enables easy expansion of the storage system by adding new brackets or objects without custom fabrication, while the manufacturing precision is managed through consistent design specifications across all standardized components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism allows for dynamic reconfiguration of the storage system. Brackets and objects can be easily attached, detached, and repositioned on different cleats, enabling the system to adapt to changing storage needs. The retaining members provide controlled engagement that balances ease of reconfiguration with sufficient holding strength, managing the trade-off between adaptability and manufacturing precision through mechanical design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4029657A1Modular storage system
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 TECHTRONIC CORDLESS GP
  • EP4029657A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4029657A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4029657A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A storage support configured to support an object on a support surface. The storage support includes a mount and a plurality of cleats. The mount includes an upper edge and a lower edge. Each of the plurality of cleats includes a first upper cleat edge and a second upper cleat edge that is non-parallel relative to the first upper cleat edge. The first upper cleat edge is oriented non-parallel relative to the upper edge of the mount. Each of the first upper cleat edge and the second upper cleat edge are configured to support the object.