Hanger and storage unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closet and storage organizers are difficult to compact for storage and lack effective exterior item holding capabilities, with fixed hanging components that can break and render the system unusable.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with selectively removable hanging components and accessory hooks, featuring a hanger with a hook member, arms, and a crossbar, and a storage unit with overlapping panels that allow the hanger to be easily inserted and secured, enabling compact storage and exterior item hanging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed hanging components are used to attach storage compartments to the hanging rod, then the organizer provides stable support and structure, but it becomes difficult to compact the organizer for storage and replacement is required if components break
Solution Approach 1:
The hanging component is divided into separate segments: a hook portion that attaches to the hanging rod, and a connector portion that attaches to the storage compartment. These segments can be detached from each other, allowing the storage compartments to be removed and compacted independently when not in use, while the hook remains on the rod for future use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the hanging component and storage compartment is made dynamic rather than fixed. The connector portion can be selectively attached and detached from the storage compartment, enabling the system to transition between a deployed state (when storage compartments are hung) and a compacted state (when compartments are removed for storage).
2Reliability
If fixed hanging components are used to attach storage compartments to the hanging rod, then the organizer maintains its structure during use, but the entire organizer becomes unusable if one hanging component breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The hanging component is segmented into a reusable hook portion and a replaceable connector portion. If the connector portion breaks, only that segment needs to be replaced rather than the entire hanging assembly, allowing users to retain the functional hook and replace just the damaged connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for selective replacement of only the broken connector portion while recovering and reusing the intact hook portion. This reduces waste and cost by preserving the functional elements that remain undamaged.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional storage organizers are used, then storage compartments can be attached to the hanging rod, but there is no effective way to hold items along the exterior of the organizer
Solution Approach 1:
The hanging component serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the storage compartments, enables selective attachment and detachment for compacting, and includes accessory hooks on its exterior for hanging additional items such as ties, scarves, and hats. This multi-functionality increases the overall utility of the organizer without adding separate structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory hooks extend from the exterior surface of the hanging component, utilizing the external dimensional space rather than only the internal storage volume. This allows items to be hung on the outside of the organizer, effectively adding another layer of storage capability in a different spatial dimension.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system for holding garments and other items is provided. The storage system can include a storage unit and at least one hanger. The hanger can be inserted into a hanger pocket provided on the sidewall of the storage unit and used to hang the storage system from a hanging rod. The storage unit includes one or more compartments defined by sidewall panels and an overlapping panel connected to and overlapping part of one of the sidewall panels. The sidewall panel and the overlapping panel can form the hanger pocket with a lower opening and an upper opening. The lower opening is sized to allow the hanger to be inserted into the pocket. The upper opening is sized to allow the hook of the hanger to extend from the pocket. When the hanger is inserted into the pocket, the storage system can be hung from a storage rod.