Reversible Modular Storage Units With Integrated Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for modular storage systems that can be easily reconfigured to adapt to changing workspace shapes and sizes, particularly in flexible work environments, while also providing flexibility in design and service access for elements like electrical cabling and communications.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage system comprising box-shaped structural units that are laterally attachable and reversible, allowing for side-by-side construction with adjustable orientations and service access paths, and are also stackable, with attachment points and fasteners that enable reversible and flexible assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If structural units are made reversible with symmetric attachment points, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment points are designed with asymmetric features including L-shaped configuration, positioning protrusions, and positioning recesses that engage in specific orientations. This asymmetric design enables reversible attachment while maintaining simplicity, as the asymmetric features guide proper alignment and prevent incorrect assembly, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If spacing elements are added to create service access paths, then service accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing elements are integrated into the attachment points themselves, combining the service access path function with the structural attachment function. The L-shaped attachment points inherently create spacing gaps that serve as access paths for electrical and communication services, eliminating the need for separate spacing components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining service accessibility.
3Reliability
If multiple attachment points are provided for reversible attachment, then reliability of attachment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment points are designed as multi-functional elements that simultaneously provide mechanical attachment, positioning alignment through protrusions and recesses, and creation of service access paths. This universal design achieves reliable attachment with fewer components, as each attachment point performs multiple functions rather than requiring separate components for each function, thereby resolving the contradiction between attachment reliability and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a modular storage system (1), comprising a plurality of box-shaped structural units(2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14), one or more of which are storage units used for storage, and each structural unit having front and back faces and left, right, top and bottom sides, wherein: the box-shaped structural units (2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14) are laterally attachable to each other side-by-side through attachment points (30,31,32,33,74,79,97,99) on the left and right sides, thereby to construct a joined structure of at least two of the structural units; and one or more of the box-shaped structural units are reversible structural units, in which the corresponding attachment points are positioned and shaped so that the reversible structural unit is attachable in the lateral side-by-side attachment so that the corresponding front faces of adjacent joined structural units are oriented either in one direction or in opposite directions.