Selectable Storage Unit Model for Fast Size Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage facility processes require customers to physically view multiple empty storage units to decide on a size, which is time-consuming and does not allow real-time comparison, often leading to incorrect size choices and a detrimental customer experience.
Innovation Solution
A demonstrative model system with movable barriers and tracks that simulate various storage unit sizes, allowing customers to visualize and select the appropriate unit size efficiently, while minimizing physical space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If full size models of each storage unit are provided within the office or showroom, then customers can effectively visualize storage size space, but the additional square feet required would increase building cost by well over $150,000
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses scaled-down reproductions (1:10 scale) of storage units instead of full-size models. These miniature replicas maintain accurate dimensional proportions while occupying minimal space, allowing customers to visualize storage capacities effectively without requiring additional showroom square footage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional painted representations to three-dimensional scaled models. This dimensional enhancement provides realistic spatial perception and volume understanding while the models remain compact enough to fit within existing office or showroom spaces.
2Measurement precision
If full size models of each storage unit are provided within the office or showroom, then customers can effectively visualize storage size space, but the opportunity cost in allowing that square footage to remain fallow may also exceed $150,000
Solution Approach 1:
By using scaled replicas instead of full-size models, the patent enables accurate visualization while keeping the showroom space available for productive use. The miniature models occupy such minimal space that the remaining area can be utilized for customer service activities, consultations, and other revenue-generating functions.
3Measurement precision
If customers are shown empty storage units of varying sizes, then customers can compare storage unit sizes, but the process is time consuming for the customer and the manager
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-constructs scaled models of various storage unit sizes with standardized dimensions and configurations. These models are prepared in advance with consistent scaling factors, allowing customers to immediately compare different sizes without waiting for setup or adjustment during the consultation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable walls or partitions within the scaled models that can be adjusted to demonstrate different storage configurations and sizes. This dynamic capability allows rapid transformation between various unit sizes, enabling quick comparisons and reducing the time required for customers to make informed decisions.
4Area of stationary object
If painted representations of storage units are provided in one big room, then space requirements are reduced, but the customer cannot visualize the storage size space effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent upgrades from two-dimensional painted representations on the floor to three-dimensional scaled models. This dimensional transformation provides genuine depth, volume, and spatial relationships, enabling customers to accurately perceive storage capacities while the models remain compact enough to fit within existing showroom spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage facility with a plurality of different unit sizes includes a demonstrative model to aid in the presentation of the different sizes to a potential customer. The available unit sizes each have a common nominal dimension; the demonstrative model includes a rectangular boundary sharing the common dimension. The model includes a plurality of vertically extending walls, a floor and a selectable wall that also shares the common nominal dimension. The selectable wall extends between first and second walls and the selectable wall is locatable at a plurality of predefined positions, such that each predefined position reflects the non-common dimension of a respective one of the plurality of the different unit sizes. The selectable wall is preferably biased to each of the predefined positions, such that each of the available sizes may be easily demonstrated to the customer by moving the selectable wall and without the need to separately visit each of the available sizes at different locations at the facility.