Rack and tray device
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a versatile storage solution for vehicles like vans that can be customized to provide access to tools and equipment, as standard vehicles often lack specific storage configurations, requiring users to install shelves or racks post-purchase.
Innovation Solution
A rack and tray assembly is fixedly mounted to the floor and sides of a vehicle, featuring guide members that prevent trays from tipping or rotating, allowing for secure storage and easy access by sliding them out for use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If trays are made removable for access to objects, then ease of access is improved, but stability of the tray is worsened (trays may tip or rotate)
Solution Approach 1:
Guide members are introduced as intermediary elements between the rack and trays. These guide members extend from the rack to support the trays laterally, preventing tipping and rotation while allowing the trays to be removed and reinserted for access to stored objects.
2Stability of the object's composition
If guide members extend outward to support trays, then tray stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide members are merged with the cross members of the rack structure. The guide members are attached to and extend from the cross members, combining the support function of cross members with the stabilizing function of guide members into a single integrated structure.
3Reliability
If the rack is fixedly mounted to provide secure storage, then reliability is improved, but adaptability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure is segmented into modular components including side panels, cross members, and guide members that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the rack to be fixedly mounted for reliability while still enabling customization of tray positions and configurations for different storage needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack and tray device formed from a pair of side panels mountable on the floor of an area and attached to the sides of the area, such as the inside of a van. Guide members are on the side panels and include a channel shape extending inward to accept a tray member carried by the channel shape and maintained in a substantially horizontal orientation when objects are placed on the at least one tray member. The guide members are slidably mounted to further support the tray and prevent it from tipping.