Low profile powered overhead storage systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional overhead storage systems are inefficient and pose access challenges, often requiring users to lift heavy objects, which can lead to injuries, and they occupy valuable space due to the use of large drums and anchor points, limiting the ability to utilize overhead space effectively.
Innovation Solution
A mechanized system that uses a main drive shaft with holes or slits for lifting straps to pass through, allowing for efficient raising and lowering of storage platforms or containers without the need for drums, enabling closer placement to the ceiling and reducing weak points, thus optimizing overhead space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If conventional overhead storage systems use large drums and anchor points to lift storage platforms, then the lifting function is achieved, but the available overhead space is reduced and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional drum component from the hoist system entirely. Instead of using a drum to wind and store the lifting strap, the system allows the strap to pass through a simple pulley or guide mechanism, eliminating the space-consuming drum assembly while maintaining the lifting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible lifting strap instead of rigid cables or chains. This flexible element can be routed through minimal components, reducing the need for large mechanical structures and allowing closer placement to the ceiling without requiring bulky anchor points or drums.
2Quantity of substance
If fixed shelving systems are used for overhead storage, then storage capacity is provided, but access to stored goods becomes difficult and requires lifting heavy objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed shelving system into a dynamic, movable platform system. The storage platform can be raised and lowered on demand using the hoist mechanism, allowing users to easily access stored goods at any height without manually lifting heavy objects, while still providing overhead storage capacity.
3Force
If multiple steel cables and drums are used to lift storage platforms, then lifting capability is achieved, but the overhead space is further reduced and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates multiple steel cables and drums, using instead a single flexible lifting strap that passes through a simplified mechanism. This reduction in components removes potential failure points associated with multiple cables, drum connections, and anchoring systems, thereby improving safety and reliability while maintaining lifting capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick and efficient method to raise and lower a storage platform, storage container, and/or storage box into any unused overhead space is disclosed. The design comprises a low profile philosophy allowing the storage platform, storage container, and/or storage box to be positioned more closely to the ceiling making better use of any overhead space such as the limited space directly above a garage door. The system relies on a main drive shaft that is designed to allow one or more belts to pass through the main drive shaft thereby creating a base around which the one or more belts can wrap. The present invention is superior to those of the prior art in that there are no weak points found in this system in contrast to those found in cable systems connected to a drum or a flat fiber reinforced strap bolted to a drum. The one or more lifting straps do not terminate on the main drive shaft as do other systems via a wire drum or flat drum but simply passes through the main drive shaft.