Side Access Storage Rack With Friction-Fit Shelves for Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side access storage racks for cold storage units are cumbersome to manufacture and prone to vibrations due to additional machining requirements and snap connection mechanisms, which can create the impression of instability.
Innovation Solution
A side access storage rack design featuring a housing with vertical dividers and horizontal shelves that engage through frictional slots, eliminating the need for snap connections and reducing vibrations by providing a rigid coupling, while allowing for easy assembly and reconfiguration of storage box receptacle heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If snap connection mechanisms with projecting tabs and notches are used to assemble shelves and dividers, then the storage rack can be easily assembled, but the structure becomes prone to vibrations and appears unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the snap connection mechanism (projecting tabs and notches) from the design, extracting the source of vibration and instability while retaining ease of assembly through alternative means
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses frictional engagement that replicates the holding function of snap connections without the mechanical interlocking components, achieving stability through surface friction rather than geometric constraints
2Reliability
If additional end plates and machining operations are used to create snap connection features, then the storage rack achieves secure shelf attachment, but manufacturing time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for separate end plates and the machining of snap connection features, removing unnecessary manufacturing steps while maintaining secure attachment through frictional engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of shelf attachment and structural support into the basic shelf and divider components themselves, eliminating the need for separate end plates and snap connection features
3Ease of operation
If resiliency is built into projecting tabs for snap engagement, then shelves can be easily connected to the rack, but vibrations are generated that create an impression of instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of vibrations into a benefit by using frictional engagement that provides secure attachment without the mechanical rebound and vibration associated with elastic snap connections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replicates the secure attachment function of resilient snap connections through frictional engagement, achieving the same holding force without the vibratory side effects
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
Simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces assembly time, and enhances the stability and appearance of the storage rack by eliminating vibrations and the need for additional parts, resulting in a more efficient and reliable storage solution.
Implementation Method 1
The horizontal shelf is engaged with the plurality of vertical dividers by sliding the horizontal shelf into the divider slots and sliding the vertical dividers into the shelf slots until the angled front portion of the shelf is wedged into frictional engagement with the divider slots
Data Source
AI summary
A cold storage unit includes a side access storage rack for holding storage boxes. The storage rack includes a housing with a top wall, a bottom wall, and a rear side wall extending between the top and bottom walls to define a storage space. The storage rack also includes a plurality of vertical dividers extending from the rear side wall and a horizontal shelf configured to be engaged with the plurality of vertical dividers to split the storage space into a grid of box receptacles for the storage boxes. The horizontal shelf includes an angled front portion that is bent and is configured to frictionally engage divider slots in the vertical dividers to thereby hold the horizontal shelf in position with respect to the housing. This frictional engagement simplifies manufacturing and improves the functionality of the storage rack.