Rack Delivery System Horizontal Damping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rack delivery systems face challenges in absorbing horizontal forces during shipping and delivery, which can cause damage to the rack and its components, despite using foam to absorb vertical forces.
Innovation Solution
A rack delivery system featuring a base support member with vertical force dissipation members and a horizontal movement subsystem that allows the rack support member to move relative to the base support member in a horizontal plane, combined with resilient members to dampen this movement, thereby reducing the transmission of damaging forces to the rack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If foam is used to absorb vertical forces during rack shipping, then vertical force absorption is improved, but horizontal force protection remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into distinct functional components: a base support member for vertical force absorption, a rack support member for rack mounting, and a horizontal movement subsystem with resilient members for horizontal force protection. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in addressing specific force vectors, with the horizontal movement subsystem specifically designed to isolate the rack from horizontal shocks while the foam focuses on vertical cushioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal movement subsystem acts as an intermediary between the base support member and the rack support member. It includes resilient members that allow controlled horizontal movement, absorbing and dissipating horizontal forces before they reach the rack. This intermediary mechanism protects the rack from horizontal forces while still allowing the base to handle vertical forces effectively.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rack is rigidly mounted to the shipping pallet, then structural stability is improved, but damage from horizontal forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system with controlled movement capabilities. The horizontal movement subsystem allows the rack support member to move horizontally relative to the base support member, enabling the system to adapt to and absorb horizontal forces dynamically rather than transmitting them rigidly to the rack structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mechanical parameters of the connection between the pallet and rack. Instead of a fixed rigid connection, the horizontal movement subsystem introduces controlled compliance with specific movement characteristics. The resilient members provide a defined range of horizontal movement, changing the connection from rigid to semi-rigid with specific damping characteristics that protect against horizontal forces while maintaining adequate stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a wider base is used to reduce tipping, then tip angle stability is improved, but horizontal force transmission to the rack increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the functions of tip angle stability and horizontal force transmission. The wide base of the base support member handles tip angle stability, while the horizontal movement subsystem between the base and rack support member handles horizontal force isolation. This segmentation allows the wide base to provide stability without directly transmitting horizontal forces to the rack.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal movement subsystem serves as an intermediary that decouples the stability function from the force transmission path. The wide base provides tip angle stability, but the resilient members and movement mechanism in the horizontal subsystem prevent direct horizontal force transmission to the rack, allowing the base to be wide for stability without the penalty of force transmission.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively reduces the horizontal forces experienced by the rack during delivery, minimizing the risk of damage and ensuring safe transportation of high-value equipment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vertical force dissipation member that is configured to dissipate vertical forces transmitted to the base support member
Implementation Method 2
at least one resilient member that extends between the base support member and the rack support member, wherein the at least one resilient member is configured to damp the movement of the rack support member relative to the base support member
Data Source
AI summary
A device delivery system includes a base support member having vertical force dissipation member(s) that dissipate vertical forces, and a device support member that mounts to one or more devices. A horizontal movement subsystem couples the device support member to the base support member, and operates to allow the device support member to move relative to the base support member in a substantially horizontal plane during rack transport. Resilient member(s) extend between the base support member and the device support member, and operate to damp the movement of the device support member relative to the base support member in the substantially horizontal plane. A movement limiting subsystem may be provided on the base support member and the device support member, and may be activated to resist movement of the device support member relative to the base support member in the substantially horizontal plane during rack positioning.