Storage Rack Assembly With Horizontal Bracing for Height Expansion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage racks require significant modifications and immobilization to increase storage height, which is costly and disruptive, affecting operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A storage assembly with horizontal bracing structures that connect multiple racks externally, allowing for increased storage height without altering the rack structure, using lightweight and inexpensive elements that maintain handling machine circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the height of the racks is increased to add shelves, then the storage volume is improved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to requiring reinforced fixed connections between uprights and cross-members
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing structure is divided into multiple independent bracing elements that can be separately installed between adjacent racks. Each bracing element is a discrete component that connects to the racks at specific locations, allowing the bracing system to be segmented and installed in sections rather than requiring complete structural modification of each rack.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from vertical reinforcement (adding shelves and reinforcing uprights) to horizontal bracing (connecting racks laterally). By introducing bracing elements in the horizontal dimension between adjacent racks, the system gains structural strength without increasing rack height or modifying upright-crosstuber connections vertically.
2Volume of moving object
If the height of the racks is increased to add shelves, then the storage volume is improved, but the operating time increases due to complete dismounting-remounting and immobilization of the storage assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing system is designed to be dynamically installable and removable without immobilizing the storage assembly. The bracing elements can be attached and detached from the racks while the racks remain in service, allowing the system to adapt its structural configuration without complete shutdown or disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracing elements are pre-designed as ready-to-install components that can be attached to existing racks without requiring preliminary modification of the rack structure. The connection points and mounting mechanisms are prepared in advance during the design phase, enabling quick installation without time-consuming on-site fabrication or structural alterations.
3Strength
If traditional bracing is added to increase storage height, then the structural integrity is improved, but the handling machine circulation is impeded due to blocking access to storage compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing elements are positioned at specific locations on the racks that provide structural reinforcement where needed while leaving other areas open for handling machine access. The bracing is applied locally between adjacent racks rather than creating continuous vertical barriers, maintaining circulation paths while delivering structural benefits at critical points.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracing elements act as intermediary structures that connect adjacent racks horizontally without interfering with the vertical access paths required by handling machines. These intermediate bracing components transfer lateral loads between racks while preserving the circulation avenues needed for forklifts and other handling equipment to reach storage compartments.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage assembly having a substantially parallelepipedal first storage rack and a second substantially parallelepipedal storage rack, a front transverse face of the first storage rack and a second rear transverse face of the second storage rack being connected to each other by at least one horizontal bracing structure.