Adjustable Overhead Tote Rail for Independent Container Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for containers, such as storage totes, face limitations in accommodating different sizes and require complex setups, making it difficult to easily access specific containers without displacing others, and often necessitate careful measurement and positioning of support members.
Innovation Solution
A container storage apparatus with an adjustable mounting section and a dynamic container engaging section that allows for easy installation and use, supporting containers of varying widths and lengths by engaging their outward lips, enabling easy removal of any container from the system without needing to move others, and can be placed close to walls or structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed support members are used for container storage, then the system provides stable support, but it cannot accommodate different container sizes and requires precise measurement and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The dynamic support member can slide along the static support member to accommodate different container widths, eliminating the need for precise pre-measurement and positioning while maintaining stable support for various container sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of static and dynamic support members creates a universal support system that can accommodate multiple container sizes and configurations. The dynamic support member's ability to adjust its position allows a single support structure to serve multiple functions for different container dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If containers are stored in a fixed position on shelves or platforms, then they are stable, but they block access to other containers and require moving multiple containers to retrieve one
Solution Approach 1:
The support system segments the container storage into individually accessible positions. Each container can be independently supported and removed by adjusting the dynamic support member, allowing direct access to any container without displacing others, thus reducing retrieval time and improving operational efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If wall-attached shelves are used to support containers, then they free up floor space, but they require complex construction to support the weight and may not provide adequate support
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support members act as intermediaries between the ceiling/roof structure and the containers. Instead of directly attaching complex shelves to walls, the system uses simple ceiling-mounted support members with movable components that can be easily adjusted to support various container weights and configurations, reducing construction complexity while maintaining adequate support.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system for removably storing an object in an area having one or more area supports so as to position the container below the area supports and above the floor of the area. The apparatus has a support rail that mounts to the area supports and a container engaging section that securely holds the object. The container engaging section has a static support assembly and a dynamic support assembly defining a space for the object. The static support assembly engages one side of the object. The dynamic support assembly has a dynamic support that connects to a moving mechanism so it will move along the support rail to engage an opposing side of the object. A biasing mechanism biases the dynamic support toward the static support assembly to secure the object therebetween. The support rail has a track and the moving mechanism moves along the track.