Modular Workstation Structure With Expandable Lumber-Slot Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jobsite workstations and storage racks lack flexibility and expansibility to provide an improved staging and working environment for construction materials and tools, limiting their functionality for various trades.
Innovation Solution
A portable support structure comprising trapezoidal sidewalls with aligned apertures that can be coupled to form a truncated pyramid, allowing for the insertion of support members to create a stable and expandable work surface, and a staging system with evenly distributed apertures for multiple support members to form horizontal platforms, enabling versatile storage and working arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sawhorses and storage racks are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flexibility and expandability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple modular components including sidewalls with apertures, support members, and base structures. These segmented components can be independently manufactured and assembled in various configurations, enabling flexibility and expandability while maintaining relatively simple individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed with universal features such as standardized apertures in sidewalls that can accommodate different support members and configurations. The same basic structure can serve multiple functions including material storage, work surface support, and tiered arrangements, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support structure is made expandable and versatile, then the functionality is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the structure into standardized components like sidewalls with predetermined apertures and modular support members, each component can be manufactured independently using standard processes. This segmentation maintains manufacturing ease while enabling complex functional configurations through assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter changes in configuration and arrangement rather than fundamental design changes. Standardized apertures and connection interfaces enable the same manufactured components to be arranged in different configurations, providing functionality expansion without requiring complex manufacturing variations.
3Strength
If the support structure is designed for stability and load support, then the structural strength is improved, but the portability and ease of storage decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into lighter individual components that can be assembled only when needed, reducing the weight of moving and stored elements compared to a monolithic stable structure. Components can be disassembled and stored compactly while maintaining stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates nesting capabilities where components can be nested within each other or collapsed into a compact configuration for storage and transport. This nesting approach maintains structural integrity when assembled while significantly improving portability and ease of storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure of the present disclosure provides a stable and expansible material storage system or work platform. The support platform includes a plurality of apertures, typically sized and configured to receive standard grade lumber sizes. The support platform may be used singly for storing materials or for working on the materials or two or more additional support structures can be combined to support multiple work pieces in a tiered and/or side-by-side arrangement, or to create a stable workstation. The material support capability of support structure is also expansible both horizontally and vertically, and for ease of storage, multiple support structures are nestable or may be individually collapsible.