Compartmentalized Storage Container With Reconfigurable Divider Orientations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliance storage systems lack flexibility in utilizing space by not allowing for efficient division into both laterally and vertically adjacent compartments, limiting the organization and utilization of storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A divider system with interchangeable components that can form both laterally and vertically adjacent compartments, utilizing support devices to removably receive and support dividers in different orientations, allowing for increased versatility and configuration options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed dividers are used to create laterally adjacent compartments, then the drawer can be divided into side-by-side sections, but the space cannot be efficiently utilized for vertically stacked compartments and the system lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The divider is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can create laterally adjacent compartments when installed vertically, and create vertically adjacent compartments when installed horizontally. The symmetrical design with grooves and protrusions allows the same divider component to function in both orientations, eliminating the need for different divider types for different compartment configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider is segmented into distinct functional features: grooves at one end for receiving protrusions from support devices or other dividers, and protrusions at the other end for providing support points. This segmentation allows the divider to be easily reconfigured between different orientations and configurations by simply changing its installation direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the storage system uses fixed, non-interchangeable dividers, then the installation is simple, but the ability to reconfigure compartments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The divider system incorporates dynamic characteristics through removable and reconfigurable connections. The grooves and protrusions enable dividers to be easily inserted and removed from support devices and from each other, allowing the storage configuration to be dynamically adjusted based on user needs without permanent installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider features nested structural elements where grooves in one divider can receive protrusions from another divider, creating a nested connection system. This allows multiple dividers to be interconnected and reconfigured by nesting them in different patterns, facilitating easy reconfiguration while maintaining structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dividers are designed to form only laterally adjacent compartments, then the structure is simple, but vertically adjacent compartments cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The divider employs asymmetrical design elements with grooves positioned at one end and protrusions at the other end. This asymmetry is strategically designed to work with the support device structure, where the grooves engage with upper support devices or protrusions from other dividers, enabling the divider to be supported in both vertical and horizontal orientations to create different compartment types.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for dividing a container into compartments has a divider that divides the container into compartments. The system also has a first support device configured to removably receive and support the divider in a first orientation that forms laterally adjacent compartments and a second support device configured to removably receive and support the divider in a second orientation that forms vertically adjacent compartments. The divider is received by either the first or second support device.