Segmented Upright Joint Design for Stable Wall Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall-mounted storage systems with height-adjustable uprights are unstable when storing heavy articles, and the division of uprights into segments limits the placement of brackets, making them difficult to handle and transport.
Innovation Solution
The storage system consists of segmented uprights with a joint piece that provides a forced fit and additional spacer portions to maintain stability, allowing brackets to be placed anywhere along the segments, including near joints, using a U-shaped design and cone screws for secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If uprights are divided into shorter segments for easier handling and transport, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates due to loose connections
Solution Approach 1:
The upright is divided into multiple segments that can be easily handled and transported separately. Each segment maintains structural integrity while allowing flexible assembly to different heights. The segmentation enables easy handling and transport while the connection mechanism ensures stability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection piece acts as an intermediary element between upright segments. This connection piece includes a forcing element that actively pushes the segments together, creating a tight and stable joint. The intermediary connection piece with its forcing mechanism resolves the stability issue while maintaining the benefits of segmentation.
2Device complexity
If segments are connected end-to-end using simple clips, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to loose connections under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism incorporates a dynamic forcing element that actively maintains pressure between segments. Rather than a static passive connection, the forcing element dynamically adjusts to maintain tight contact, improving reliability under varying loads while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The forcing element in the connection piece preemptively counteracts the tendency of segments to separate under load. By continuously pushing segments together, it prevents the development of loose connections before they can occur, ensuring reliable performance under heavy loads.
3Adaptability or versatility
If slits for brackets are evenly distributed along entire upright length, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates when segments are joined
Solution Approach 1:
The upright is segmented with slits distributed along each segment. The segmentation allows slits to be precisely positioned within each segment independently, and the connection mechanism ensures proper alignment at joints, maintaining both adaptability and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection piece serves as an intermediary that ensures precise alignment between segments at the joint. It includes features that guide and align the slits across the joint line, allowing brackets to be placed continuously across segments while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a wall mounted storage system 1 comprising a mounting rail 2, uprights 3 and a joint piece 4. The upright 3 comprises a first and a second segment 7, 8 releasably joinable end-to-end with each other by means of the joint piece 4. The joint piece 4 has two first bore holes 15, 16 and each the first and second segments 7, 8 has one second bore hole 17, 18 in registry with the first bore holes 15, 16. The joint piece 4 comprises at least two side portions 19, 20 which bear against first spacer portions 11, 12, of the segments. A centre-to-centre distance d between the first bore holes is smaller than a centre-to-centre distance d' between the second bore holes when the first and second segments are positioned end-to-end, to allow a forced fit using fastening means 22 through the bore holes.