Modular Wash Rack for Athletic Equipment Using Non-Corrosive Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment racks for athletic gear are unstable, made of corrosive materials, and often require permanent mounting, posing hazards and limitations in customization and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A modular wash/sanitation rack made from non-corrosive materials like stainless steel, with a design featuring interchangeable gear supports and a wall attachment system that allows for secure, removable, and customizable storage, incorporating features like rounded corners and heat/sanitation indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If racks are made of corrosive materials to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to corrosion in wash/sanitation environments
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure combines stainless steel components (for corrosion resistance in wash/sanitation environments) with polymer components (for cost reduction and ease of manufacture). This composite material approach allows the rack to withstand repeated washing and sanitization while maintaining economic feasibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If racks are made as permanent fixtures to improve stability, then stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to reconfigure storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into modular components including adjustable shelves, removable bins, and reconfigurable storage elements. These segmented components can be independently positioned and reconfigured while maintaining overall structural stability through the rigid frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack incorporates adjustable and movable elements that allow dynamic reconfiguration of storage space. Shelves can be repositioned at different heights, and storage bins can be removed or added, enabling the rack to adapt to changing storage needs while maintaining stability during use.
3Strength
If racks are made heavy and bulky to improve strength, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in moving and installing
Solution Approach 1:
The rack utilizes thin-walled but structurally optimized polymer components and slender stainless steel elements that provide sufficient strength through intelligent structural design rather than increased mass. This allows the rack to maintain structural integrity while remaining lightweight and mobile.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of lightweight polymer materials with strategically placed stainless steel reinforcement elements provides adequate structural strength without the weight penalty of all-metal construction. This composite approach enables easy mobility while maintaining necessary strength for holding athletic equipment.
4Ease of manufacture
If mounting elements protrude from racks to simplify installation, then ease of manufacture is improved, but harmful factors increase due to safety hazards to body and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The rack design incorporates rounded corners and smooth transitions on all protruding elements. Mounting elements and structural components feature curved surfaces that eliminate sharp edges, maintaining installation simplicity while preventing injuries to users and damage to equipment or clothing.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transforms potentially harmful protruding mounting elements into safe features by integrating rounded protective covers and smooth finishing. The mounting functionality is preserved while the hazardous sharp edges are converted into benign rounded surfaces that enhance safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular wash/sanitation rack assembly having a wall support, a plurality of channels, a gear rack mount, and a gear support. The plurality of channels includes at least two wall support channels.