Stackable Storage Shells With Y-Shaped Rails for Reconfigurable Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage and organization systems often become unsuitable as consumer needs evolve, leading to a cycle of replacement and frustration as they struggle to adapt to changing inventory and usage patterns.

Innovation Solution

A modular storage shell system with Y-shaped rails and intersecting lines that allows for flexible reconfiguration and stacking, providing structural integrity and aesthetic appeal while accommodating evolving needs through interchangeable components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed storage system is used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to changing consumer needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changing needsVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into modular components including shells, lids, and interchangeable rails that can be independently assembled and reconfigured. Each shell can be separately stacked and connected, allowing the system to be adapted to different storage needs without compromising the structural integrity of individual components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates movable and reconfigurable elements such as interchangeable rails that can be positioned at different locations on shells. This dynamic design allows the storage configuration to change over time according to consumer needs while maintaining stable connections through standardized coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If permanent assembly is used, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of reconfiguration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of reconfigurationVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent assembly is segmented into standardized connection points and coupling mechanisms that allow for tool-free assembly and disassembly. The rails and shells feature complementary joining structures that create strong permanent bonds during assembly but can be easily separated when reconfiguration is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows components to be easily separated and reused in different configurations. When shells or rails need to be repositioned, they can be detached from their current locations and recovered for use in new arrangements, maintaining structural integrity through consistent connection standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS8113600B2Storage and organization system with stackable shells

Publication Date: 2012.02.14 TARGET BRANDS INC

AI summary

A storage shell includes sidewalls and rails. The sidewalls each extend between two others of the sidewalls to collectively define a chamber therebetween. The sidewalls create a plurality of intersection lines each being defined along a boundary between two of the plurality of sidewalls. The plurality of are rails each coupled to and radially extends away from a different corresponding one of the plurality of intersection lines relative to a center of the storage shell. Each of the plurality of rails is formed with a Y-shaped cross-section. Related storage and organization systems, and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.