Workbench and rack and accessories therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workbenches and storage racks lack versatility, requiring users to assemble multiple components, leading to high shipping and storage costs due to bulky packaging, and often have complex assembly processes that are not user-friendly.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates 'Z' profile end frames that can be collapsed for compact shipping, notched shelf beams for efficient stacking, and modular components like pegboards and wire decking that can be easily assembled and disassembled, reducing packaging size and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If workbenches and storage racks are manufactured as multiple components for assembly, then versatility and customization are improved, but shipping and storage costs increase due to bulky packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing smaller components inside larger ones during packaging. Specifically, shelves are positioned within the frame structure, and smaller accessories are nested within shelves or frame components, creating a compact hierarchical arrangement that minimizes packaging volume while maintaining component accessibility for assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple components into integrated assemblies before packaging. The frame, shelves, and accessories are designed to be pre-configured in a collapsed or nested state that merges their individual volumes, allowing them to be shipped as a unified compact unit rather than separate bulky components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If workbenches and storage racks are manufactured as multiple components, then assembly flexibility is improved, but assembly complexity increases making it less user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the workbench and storage rack into distinct modular components (frame, shelves, accessories) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each component has standardized connection interfaces that simplify the assembly process, allowing users to construct different configurations by combining the same basic segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-assembled or pre-configured elements into the components before shipping. For example, shelves may come with pre-attached mounting brackets, and the frame may have pre-drilled holes or pre-installed connection mechanisms, reducing the number of steps and complexity required for final assembly by the user.
3Loss of energy
If components are shipped in unassembled configuration, then shipping costs are reduced, but the risk of damage during transit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protective elements into the packaging design before shipping. Components are wrapped in protective materials, positioned in cushioned compartments, or arranged to protect each other during transit. The nested arrangement itself provides cushioning as components are surrounded by packaging material and other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested arrangement of components within the packaging structure provides inherent protection. Smaller components are enclosed within larger ones, creating a protective hierarchy where outer components shield inner components from impact and damage during shipping, reducing damage risk while maintaining cost-effective unassembled shipping.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the invention comprise work benches and racks (which may comprise wall mounted racks or racks with elevated supported shelves or the like), such as storage and mounting racks. Additional aspects of the invention comprise features of, or accessories for, such workbenches or racks, such as frame assemblies, notched shelf beams, drawers, pegboards, decking (such as wire decking) and the like. Yet other aspects of the invention comprise methods of manufacturing, packing/shipping and assembling such workbenches and racks.