Stackable Storage Rack Tapered Support for Space Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage and transport devices for panel-like goods, such as formwork panels, occupy significant space when not in use and lack efficient stacking and stability features.

Innovation Solution

A device with a tapering support section and receiving area design, featuring inclined C-profile pillar elements and support surfaces, allows for stable stacking and easy detachment, preventing slipping and tilting, and enabling partial loading for space-saving storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional storage racks with horizontal support sections are used, then goods can be stored and secured against lateral slippage, but the racks occupy significant storage space when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegoods securityVSAvoidstorage space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support section of one storage rack is inserted into the receiving area of another rack, creating a nested configuration where multiple racks are stacked vertically. This nesting principle reduces the horizontal storage space required while maintaining the structural integrity and goods-securing capability of each rack unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from horizontal storage arrangement to vertical stacking by designing tapered support sections and receiving areas that enable racks to be stacked on top of each other. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical orientation significantly reduces the floor space occupied while maintaining storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of stationary object

If storage racks are designed for stacking, then space-saving storage is achieved, but the racks may slide against each other during stacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space occupationVSAvoidstacking stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support section and receiving area are designed with asymmetric tapered geometries where the support section tapers upward and the receiving area tapers downward. This asymmetric design creates complementary shapes that fit together, preventing lateral sliding while enabling stable vertical stacking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs tapered geometries with specific angle ranges (1° to 5°) for both the support section and receiving area. By optimizing these angular parameters, the design achieves a balance between ease of stacking and prevention of sliding, ensuring stability while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the support section is designed with taper to prevent sliding, then stacking stability is improved, but the devices may jam and be difficult to lift apart

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacking stabilityVSAvoiddetachment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The taper angles of the support section and receiving area are carefully controlled within specific ranges (1° to 5°). This parameter optimization ensures that the taper is sufficient to prevent sliding and provide stability, yet shallow enough to allow easy insertion and removal without jamming, maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the support section is designed with slope to prevent goods from slipping, then goods security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegoods securityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support section features a sloped contact surface specifically at the interface with goods, while the rest of the structure maintains simple geometric forms. This localized application of the slope principle provides anti-slip functionality without requiring complex structural modifications throughout the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3601077B1Stackable storage rack
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 VOLLMAYER ROBERT
  • EP3601077B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3601077B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3601077B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for transporting and/or storing, in particular plate-form, articles (52), having a substantially horizontally extending bearing portion (12) and having a substantially vertically extending supporting portion (14). The supporting portion (14) comprises a receiving region (28) for receiving a further identical supporting portion (14) of a further device (10), wherein the supporting portion (14) and the receiving region (28) are each configured such that they narrow away from the bearing portion (12) in a vertical direction (22).