Stacking storage arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of stacking storage arrangements for containers requires significant effort due to the need for precise alignment of uprights and transverse connectors.

Innovation Solution

The use of self-cutting screws and slots in connection elements that can be slid onto uprights, allowing for attachment at any position without the need for pre-drilling, along with sloped surfaces to enhance holding capacity, facilitates easier assembly and distribution of transverse connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional connection elements with pre-drilled holes are used to connect transverse connectors to uprights, then precise alignment is required for accurate connection, but this significantly increases assembly effort and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection element features a slot instead of a circular hole, changing the geometric parameter from a point contact to a linear contact. This allows the connection element to be positioned along the slot length without requiring precise alignment, while still maintaining secure connection through the screw fastening system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The slot in the connection element automatically compensates for misalignment by allowing lateral movement during assembly. The connection element self-adjusts to the correct position without requiring external alignment tools or procedures, thereby simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple transverse connectors are distributed over the length of uprights, then structural stability is improved, but precise alignment of multiple connection points increases assembly complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slot in the connection element serves multiple functions: it allows for positioning at different locations along the upright, compensates for alignment errors, and maintains connection stability. This universal feature enables multiple transverse connectors to be installed at various positions without increasing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If connection elements require precise alignment with uprights, then connection accuracy is maintained, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection element is designed with a slot that allows dynamic adjustment during assembly. The connection element can move laterally within the slot to accommodate misalignment, and once positioned, the screw fastening system secures the connection. This dynamic design eliminates the need for precise pre-alignment while maintaining connection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11596227B2Stacking storage arrangement
Publication Date: 2023.03.07 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • US11596227B2 patent drawing
  • US11596227B2 patent drawing
  • US11596227B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Stacking storage arrangement for containers and method of forming stacking storage arrangement. The stacking storage arrangement includes at least one transverse connector; multiple uprights that are connected to one another by the at least one transverse connector; and connection elements configured to connect the at least one transverse connector to multiple uprights. Each connection element is arranged to bear against a contact surface of an upright and the contact surface includes a slot into which at least one screw protruding through the connection element is screwed.