Modular Storage Panels With Snap-Fit Hooks That Resist Dislodging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pegboard and slat wall systems face limitations in supporting weight, are prone to damage, and require extensive maintenance due to their construction from weak materials like wood, which makes them brittle and difficult to repair, and often results in unintentional dislodging of hooks.
Innovation Solution
A storage and organization system featuring panels with elongated receiving portions at angled recesses and attachment members with spring engaging members that provide a secure fit, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, and constructed from durable materials like PVC plastic, enabling secure attachment of various items and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional pegboard or slat wall systems are constructed from wood or particle board, then they can be manufactured and installed, but they become brittle, easily broken, and difficult to repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from wood/particle board to metal (aluminum or steel), fundamentally altering the mechanical properties to achieve both high strength and durability without brittleness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs metal panels with integrated receiving portions, combining the strength of metal construction with the functional geometry of recesses and lips to create a unified durable structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional slat wall panels are made from heavy materials like particle board or plywood, then they provide structural stability, but they increase shipping costs and make installation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from heavy wood-based materials to lightweight metal (particularly aluminum), reducing panel weight while maintaining structural stability through the metal's inherent strength-to-weight ratio
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local reinforcement through integrated receiving portions with lips that provide structural stability at critical attachment points without requiring the entire panel to be heavy
3Ease of operation
If hooks are attached to conventional pegboard or slat wall systems, then items can be stored, but the hooks can be unintentionally dislodged by inadvertent contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates lips that protrude into the receiving portions to preemptively prevent hook dislodgement by physical contact, creating a mechanical barrier before any dislodging force can take effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the receiving portions and lips as unified metal structures with the panels, creating a composite attachment system where the rigid metal construction provides both ease of attachment and reliable security
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional wooden panels are used, then they can be manufactured and installed, but they require periodic maintenance and are subject to moisture damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from wood to metal, fundamentally altering the chemical and physical properties to eliminate susceptibility to moisture damage, rot, and insect infestation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses metal panels with integrated receiving portions, creating a composite structure where the metal material provides inherent resistance to environmental degradation without requiring additional protective coatings or treatments
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 enhances the ability to support weight, reduces the risk of damage, and simplifies maintenance by providing a secure and durable solution for attaching and detaching components, while allowing for flexible configuration and easy installation.
Implementation Method 1
The engaging member may include a spring that is sized and configured to deform and/or deflect as the spring is inserted into and/or withdrawn from the recess
Data Source
AI summary
A storage and/or organization system may be used to store and/or organize various items. For example, the system may include one or more panels and one or more attachment members, which may be connected to the panels and may be used to hold and/or position various items in desired locations. The attachment members may be selectively connected to and/or removed from the panels to provide a variety of storage and organization solutions. The panels may include, for example, one or more receiving portions to which the attachment members may be connected to and/or disconnected from using a snap, friction and/or interference fit. One or more portions of the panels and/or the attachment members may deform and/or deflect to provide the snap, friction and/or interference. One or more portions of the panels and/or the attachment members may remain deformed and/or deflected to provide a tension fit.