Overhead Door Hinge-Mounted Storage Rack for Tool-Free Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing overhead door storage systems are difficult to install and remove quickly and easily, often requiring tools and damaging the garage door panel, and they are cumbersome for storing items like fishing rods and long tools due to the need to thread them through loops from the side, which is impractical in small garages.

Innovation Solution

A storage system that attaches to the overhead door hinges using a mounting hook and attachment loop, allowing items to be stored and retrieved easily without tools, with hooks designed to hang vertically and horizontally, enabling direct loading and unloading of items without threading through loops, and using a support bar to maintain the rail's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If storage boxes are bolted or screwed to the overhead door panel, then the storage system is securely attached, but the installation is slow and requires tools, and the door panel is damaged with holes left after removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible strap made of webbing material that wraps around the overhead door hinge assembly. This flexible element can be easily installed by threading it through loops and securing it with a buckle, eliminating the need for tools and avoiding damage to the door panel while providing secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If rigid racks are bolted or screwed directly to the overhead door panel, then the storage system is securely attached, but tools are required for attachment and installation is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible webbing strap with buckle closure can be quickly installed by threading and buckling, significantly reducing installation time compared to drilling and bolting rigid racks, while still providing secure attachment to the door hinge assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the Cobra storage system is not screwed or bolted into the panel, then the garage door panel is not damaged, but the system requires threading items from the side which is difficult or impossible in some single car garages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor panel damageVSAvoiditem loading ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring items to be threaded horizontally from the side through loops, the patent uses vertical hooks that allow items to be simply dropped or placed onto the hooks from above, inverting the loading direction from horizontal threading to vertical placement, which is much easier in confined garage spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Adaptability or versatility

If loops are used to hold storage items, then items can be stored, but it is difficult, cumbersome and time consuming to thread storage items through loops because it requires coming in from the side

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capabilityVSAvoiditem loading ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces horizontal loops that require side-approach threading with vertical hooks that allow top-down item placement, inverting the interaction geometry to make item loading much easier and more accessible in typical garage environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11013325B2Overhead door storage system

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 MEYER JOHN C

AI summary

A storage apparatus uses the tube of an overhead door hinge to releasably attach a rack to hang storage items. The storage apparatus has a mounting hook affixed to a rigid rail and may also includes a support bracket for retaining space between the overhead door and the storage apparatus such that it remains parallel to the door when closed. An alternative embodiment includes a mounting bracket which can be attached to an overhead door and used in lieu of the hinges. Another embodiment includes a single hook which swings freely from the overhead door when mounted.