Rack assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible rack assemblies are structurally weak, prone to wobbling, and inefficient in space utilization during shipping and storage, leading to disadvantages for manufacturers and supply chains.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible rack assembly design featuring elongated shelves with midline rails and notches that allow nesting in a collapsed position, along with vertical supports and end caps to reduce overall footprint and enhance structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If rack assemblies are made collapsible to save space during shipping, then space utilization is improved, but structural strength deteriorates causing wobbling and tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by configuring shelves and vertical supports to interlock within each other when collapsed. The shelves include nested receiving surfaces that accept nested portions of adjacent shelves, creating a compact stacked configuration that maximizes space efficiency during shipping while maintaining structural integrity through the interlocking design
Solution Approach 2:
The rack assembly is divided into separable components including shelves, vertical supports, and end caps that can be independently positioned and connected. This segmentation allows the structure to be collapsed into a compact form while maintaining the ability to reassemble into a stable, load-bearing configuration for use
2Ease of operation
If rack assemblies are made collapsible for easy storage, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates leading to wobbling and tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-configured alignment features including alignment pins, receiving surfaces, and nested portions that are预先 positioned to guide the assembly process. These preliminary structural arrangements ensure that components automatically align and lock into stable positions during assembly, eliminating wobbling and tipping while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The nesting configuration creates inherent stability through interlocking shelves and supports that brace against each other. When assembled, the nested portions engage with receiving surfaces that prevent lateral movement and wobbling, while the layered structure provides mutual support to prevent tipping
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible rack assembly includes a vertical support; a first elongated shelf having a first midpoint region, a rail extending therefrom, and a first end perpendicular to the rail; and a second elongated shelf including a second midpoint region having a notch apparatus. The vertical support is structured to extend between and support the first and second elongated shelves when the collapsible rack assembly is in an ASSEMBLED position. The notch apparatus is configured to receive the first end in order to allow the first elongated shelf to nest within the second elongated shelf when the collapsible rack assembly is in a COLLAPSED position.