Slidable rod rack system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems for elongate items like fishing rods, rifles, and golf clubs are inefficient in securing and accessing these items due to their horizontal display on shelves, which do not effectively utilize gravitational forces for secure storage and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A slidable rack system with a triangular base and vertical support members, featuring notches and semi-circular openings that apply angled forces to secure items vertically, combined with a triangular prism-shaped support for enhanced stability and reduced size, allowing items to be easily accessed by sliding the rack in and out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If items are displayed horizontally on shelves, then they are easily accessible, but gravitational forces cannot be effectively utilized for secure storage
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is designed to be slidable along the shelf, transitioning between a retracted position for secure storage and an extended position for easy access. This dynamic movement allows the system to optimize both security and accessibility at different operational states
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal shelf display to vertical hanging display by adding a third dimension (height). Items are suspended vertically from the rack structure, allowing gravitational forces to act naturally on the items while the rack itself slides horizontally along the shelf for access
2Reliability
If conventional display stands are used, then items are secured, but the system is complex and uses excessive materials
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure is divided into modular components: a base section that interfaces with the shelf, vertical support members, and horizontal arm sections with notches. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall structure and reducing material usage
Solution Approach 2:
The notches in the support arms automatically engage with items placed on the rack, utilizing the item's own weight to secure it in position. The triangular base geometry inherently provides structural stability without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex support structures
3Ease of manufacture
If horizontal shelf display is used, then manufacturing is simple, but gravitational forces are not effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing items horizontally on shelves as in conventional display, the invention inverts the display orientation to vertical hanging. This inversion allows gravitational forces to naturally secure items to the rack structure through the notches, while the rack itself remains manufacturable using simple extruded aluminum profiles
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 securely holds elongate items using gravitational forces, provides easy access, and reduces material usage and manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity, making it more efficient than conventional display methods.
Implementation Method 1
The base may apply a first force to the end of the item that is at an angle other than perpendicular with respect to gravity and away from a center of the rack. The notches or plurality of semi-circular openings in the first support arm may be configured to engage a second portion of the item and to apply a second force to the second portion that is at an angle that is substantially perpendicular with respect to gravity and toward the center of the rack.
Implementation Method 2
The first, second, and third forces may cooperate to secure the item in a substantially vertical orientation within the rack.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a device may include a support and a slidable rack. The support includes a support base and first and second inclined slide mechanisms attached to opposed sides of the support base. The first and second inclined slide mechanisms are inclined so that a first distance between top edges of the first and second inclined slide mechanisms is less than a second distance between bottom edges of the first and second inclined slide mechanisms, wherein each of the first and second inclined slide mechanisms comprises an outward facing u-shaped channel guide. The slidable rack is configured to slide back and forth along the first and second inclined slide mechanisms.