Retractable Frontal Protection for Glazing Storage Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing racks for storing and transporting glazing elements, such as windshields and side windows, pose overhang problems during filling or emptying, which can harm operators manually handling them or cause mechanical stress in automated systems, and increase wear on straps used for holding these elements.
Innovation Solution
A rack with retractable frontal protection means that can occupy two positions, allowing straps to pass through in a deployed state and retracting to facilitate easier access and reduce mechanical stress, featuring sliders that secure magnetically and are mounted within tubular components for controlled deployment and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frontal protection means are deployed to block access to the rack interior, then safety is improved and strap wear is reduced, but operator access to the rack interior is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The frontal protection means are designed to be movable between a deployed position (blocking access) and a retracted position (allowing access). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational phases: during transport, the protection means are deployed for safety; during loading/unloading, they are retracted to facilitate operator access and positioning.
2Reliability
If straps are positioned inside the front baseboard openings during loading, then glazing elements can be secured, but strap wear increases and pallet truck fork insertion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The frontal protection means are positioned in the deployed state during transport and loading operations. This preliminary positioning of the protection means allows straps to be properly guided and positioned without excessive wear, and enables pallet truck forks to be inserted into the baseboard openings without obstruction, thereby preventing the wear and operational difficulties that would occur if straps were directly positioned in the openings.
3Strength
If the rack structure is rigid to maintain stability, then structural integrity is improved, but operator positioning during filling becomes problematic due to overhang
Solution Approach 1:
The frontal protection means provide a dynamic interface between the rigid rack structure and the operator. By retracting during loading operations, the protection means allow the operator to position themselves closer to the rack interior, reducing overhang and improving ergonomics, while the rigid rack structure itself maintains its structural integrity for stable glazing element storage.
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
The retractable protection means improve operator positioning, reduce mechanical stress, and enhance safety by allowing predefined positioning during loading/unloading, while minimizing strap wear and improving access to the rack's interior.
Implementation Method 1
These securing means may be made up of magnetic means capable of holding them when they are both in the deployed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack for storing and/or transporting elements, in particular glazing elements, of the type including a structure provided with a receiving device capable of receiving and holding these elements and with a frontal protection device. This rack is characterized in that the protection device is able to occupy two positions, namely a deployed position in which the device blocks access to the interior of the rack and a retracted position in which the device allows free access to the latter.