Overhead Container Rail Supports for Adjustable Bin Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for containers, such as I-beam systems, are limited in accommodating different sizes of containers, require complex installation, and often necessitate removing multiple containers to access a specific one, especially when positioned near walls or in crowded configurations.
Innovation Solution
A container storage apparatus with an upper mounting section and a lower container engaging section that adjusts to support different widths and lengths of containers, allowing easy removal of any container from the system, even when positioned near walls, using a dynamic support assembly with biasing mechanisms to securely hold containers in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If I-beam systems are used to support containers, then containers can be stored above the floor, but the system requires precise measurement and complex installation
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate modular components: adjustable support members with individual adjustment mechanisms, rather than a fixed I-beam structure. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and adjusted, simplifying installation while maintaining storage functionality above the floor
Solution Approach 2:
The support members incorporate adjustable parameters through mechanisms such as telescoping sections, threaded adjustments, or movable joints that allow the position and orientation of support members to be modified during installation and use, eliminating the need for precise pre-measurement and complex fixed installation
2Productivity
If containers are positioned near walls or in crowded configurations, then storage capacity is maximized, but accessing a specific container requires removing multiple containers
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing individual containers to be accessed by adjusting or removing only the specific support member holding that container, without requiring removal of adjacent containers. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains high storage density while improving access efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The support system uses individually adjustable support members for each container position, allowing independent access to any container by manipulating only its specific support member, rather than requiring removal of multiple containers in a fixed crowded configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed support structure is used, then installation is straightforward, but the system cannot accommodate different sizes of containers
Solution Approach 1:
The support members incorporate adjustable mechanisms such as telescoping sections, movable joints, or repositionable clamps that allow the support structure to dynamically adapt to different container dimensions, widths, and lengths without requiring a completely different fixed structure for each size
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed as universal components capable of supporting multiple container sizes through adjustment mechanisms, rather than requiring separate fixed structures for each container dimension. A single adjustable support member can accommodate various container types
4Area of stationary object
If multiple containers are stacked or positioned closely, then floor space is freed up, but the system becomes more complex and harder to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The support system uses modular, pre-fabricated components that can be independently assembled and then easily connected to form multi-container support structures, reducing overall assembly complexity while enabling close container positioning that frees floor space
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable support members allow for flexible configuration during assembly to accommodate different container arrangements and spacing requirements, simplifying the assembly process while enabling efficient space utilization that frees up floor area
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system for removably storing storage containers in an area, such as a garage or shed, having one or more overhead area supports, such as a joist, ceiling or the like, so as to position the storage containers below the area supports and above the floor of the area. The apparatus has a container engaging section that holds the container and a mounting section that mounts the apparatus to the area supports. The container engaging section has a static support member and a dynamic support assembly that define a container space for a container. The static support member engages one lip of the container. The dynamic support assembly has a plurality of dynamic supports that move along a rail assembly, each dynamic support has a biasing mechanism that biases a lip engaging device to engage an opposing lip of the container to secure the container in the apparatus.