Wall-Mounted Storage Rail and Bracket Locking for Flexible Reconfiguration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall-mounted storage systems lack flexibility and ease of modification, as well as secure mounting and dismounting of shelves and holders, making it difficult to adapt to different storage needs and requiring complex installation processes.
Innovation Solution
The system consists of vertical uprights fixed to a horizontal assembly rail, with brackets that can be easily inserted and locked into the uprights using a mechanism where the ears of the brackets flex out to secure them, allowing for adjustable placement and easy addition of new storage components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If brackets are designed with flexible ears for easy insertion into uprights, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of secure locking may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket ears are designed as dynamic flexible elements that change state during installation. When pressed, the ears flex inward to allow insertion; when pressure is released, they automatically spring outward to lock securely in the upright openings. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making the same component both easy to insert and reliable to lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket's flexible ears perform self-locking without requiring additional fasteners or tools. The elastic deformation of the ears during insertion automatically creates the locking action, making the bracket self-servicing and eliminating complex mounting mechanisms while maintaining security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the storing system allows easy addition and removal of shelves and holders, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into independent modular components: uprights, brackets, shelves, and holders. Each component can be independently installed, removed, or repositioned without affecting others. The brackets serve as universal connectors that work with all components, enabling high adaptability through simple modular assembly rather than complex integrated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets are designed as universal connectors that can hold various types of storing means (shelves, hangers, shoe holders, rods) and can be positioned at different heights on the uprights. This multi-functionality provides adaptability without requiring different specialized components for each storage type, thereby avoiding increased complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If uprights are mounted on a horizontal assembly rail for correct alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal assembly rail acts as an intermediary component between the wall and the uprights. The rail is fixed to the wall and provides reference surfaces that guide the uprights into correct alignment during assembly. This intermediary element simplifies the alignment process and ensures precision without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms on each upright.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly rail is pre-installed and fixed to the wall before the uprights are mounted. This preliminary action establishes the correct horizontal reference and positioning, making subsequent upright installation straightforward and ensuring proper alignment without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
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
Facilitates flexible and secure storage solutions by enabling straightforward mounting and dismounting of various storage means, allowing for easy adaptation and secure holding of items, while ensuring correct alignment and stability of the storage system.
Implementation Method 1
The insertion of the brackets in the uprights is accomplished by pressing each bracket together by hand in the region of the ears. When the brackets have been inserted the pressure on the brackets will be released, whereby the ears will flex out and be locked in the openings of the uprights.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6a~6b
AI summary
The present invention concerns a wall mounted storing construction or system that could hold a number of storing means. The storing means used may be shelves, hangers for different clothes, such as trousers or coats, shoe holders, rods etc. or for dif- ferent combinations of these storing means. The storing system comprises uprights (1) and brackets (3), wherein the brackets (3) are mounted in the uprights (1). The brackets (3) are to receive the storing means, such as shelves (15). Each bracket (3) has a general u-from with an upper part and two walls, having ears (10) to be received in openings (22) of the uprights (1). The walls of brackets (3) are pressed together in the area of the ears (10) to allow the ears (10) of the brackets (3) to be pushed into the uprights (1). The uprights (1) are fixed to the wall. The upper end of each upright (1) is mounted on a horizontal assembly rail (2), being fixed to the wall. Each upright (1) is attached to the assembly rail (2) in a way making it possible to slide the uprights (1) along the assem- bly rail.