Retractable sport board rack system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage solutions for sports boards, such as surfboards, are inefficient in terms of space usage and prone to damage due to their large size and susceptibility to being knocked over or bumped, especially when multiple boards are stored.
Innovation Solution
A modular retractable overhead storage rack system that can be mounted to a ceiling or wall, featuring a pulley system for easy access and customizable spacing to accommodate multiple boards at an elevated height, allowing for even distribution and protection during storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If boards are stored upright along a wall or flat on the floor, then access is easy, but the boards are susceptible to being knocked over or bumped into by other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-level storage (2D floor space) to overhead storage (3D vertical space). The rack system utilizes the unused overhead volume above doorways or windows, storing boards horizontally in a dimension that does not interfere with ground-level activities, thereby eliminating the risk of boards being knocked over while maintaining easy accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surfboards are stored to accommodate different wave conditions, then surfing performance is optimized, but storage becomes intrusive to living or work space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical overhead space to store multiple surfboards, converting unused three-dimensional space above doorways or windows into functional storage. This allows owners to store multiple boards for different wave conditions without occupying valuable floor or wall space, keeping living and work areas uncluttered.
3Quantity of substance
If a fixed or stationary support mechanism is used to hold multiple surfboards, then storage capacity is provided, but the amount of space needed for storing surfboards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves storage from horizontal ground-level space to vertical overhead space. By installing a rack system above doorways or windows, the system utilizes the third dimension (vertical space) to store multiple surfboards, thereby increasing storage capacity without expanding the footprint of the storage area into living or work spaces.
4Ease of operation
If boards are stored at ground level, then access is convenient, but the space below cannot be used for other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates board storage from ground level to overhead space, separating the storage function from the living or work space below. This vertical separation allows the ground-level space to serve multiple purposes (walking, working, living) while the overhead rack provides dedicated board storage, achieving both convenient access and multi-functional use of space.
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 system optimizes space usage by allowing boards to be stored elevated, reducing the risk of damage by distributing them evenly and providing easy access, while maintaining the use of space below for other purposes.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a pulley system for easy access
Data Source
AI summary
A sports board rack system includes an upper support frame, an upper pulley arrangement carried by the upper support frame, a lower support frame, and a lower pulley arrangement carried by the lower support frame. A flexible rack assembly is coupled between the upper and lower support frames and includes a pair of spaced apart rack units. Each rack unit includes spaced apart board supports. The upper and lower pulley arrangements are coupled together so that the flexible rack assembly is moveable between an expanded position and a retracted position. In the expanded position the board supports are aligned with one another in a horizontal direction for placement and removal of sports boards. In the retracted position the board supports are moved closer to one another so that a separation distance between adjacent board supports in a vertical direction is reduced.