Nestable Rack System with Z-Shaped Brackets for Space-Saving Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rack systems occupy the same amount of floor space when not in use as they do when in use, making them inefficient for space-saving storage, especially in areas with limited space.
Innovation Solution
A rack system designed to nest together using Z-shaped brackets, where each rack unit consists of two frame elements linked by at least one Z-shaped bracket, allowing the racks to collapse and occupy less space when not in use, with removable trays that can be supported by aligned tray holders and made of food-grade materials like stainless steel and plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If racks are designed to provide large surface area for cooling, drying, or aerating goods, then the functionality for these processes is improved, but the floor space occupied when not in use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is designed to nest within another rack when not in use, with each rack unit containing nested rack units inside it. This nesting configuration allows multiple racks to be stored in a compact vertical arrangement, significantly reducing the floor space occupied when the racks are not actively being used for cooling, drying, or aerating goods.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack incorporates collapsible sides with movable panels that can be extended to provide large surface area during use, and collapsed to minimize footprint during storage. The dynamic structure allows the rack to transition between two states: an expanded state for functionality and a collapsed state for compact storage, effectively resolving the contradiction between operational surface area and storage floor space.
2Area of stationary object
If racks are made collapsible to reduce storage space, then space saving is improved, but structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into modular units with collapsible sides consisting of multiple panels connected by hinges. Each panel can be independently collapsed while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the rack. The segmented design allows the rack to be compressed into a compact nested configuration for storage while preserving stability during use through the rigid connection between panels and the supporting frame structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of racks comprising of at least two racks that can be nested together when they are not in use thereby minimizing the space required for their collective storage. Each rack is comprised of a frame having two or more frame elements linked together by at least one Z-shaped bracket. Each frame element is comprised of two vertical support members linked by a plurality of tray holders at spaced apart distances along the interior side(s) of the vertical support members. The plurality of tray holders on each of the frame elements linked by a Z-shaped bracket are substantially aligned in the vertical direction thereby forming a set of pairs of tray holders. Each pair of tray holders is configured to receive and support the placement of trays. The trays comprise of a flat base portion with upstanding side edges which may be welded to a wire element to reduce crevices where debris and contaminants may otherwise be trapped and to assist with cleaning of the trays. When the racks are not in use, the trays are removed allowing the racks to nest together along their Z-shaped bracket.