Storage system withcover strip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems with carrier rails are noisy due to the attachment of devices, and there is a need for a solution that retains the cover strip in place while centering it on the rail and reducing noise.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cover strip with elongated projections and snap elements that fit into the carrier rail slots, providing sound dampening and easy removal options, is used to attach and center the strip on the rail, featuring a smooth exterior for aesthetics and ease of cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover strip is provided to reduce noise propagation along the carrier rail, then sound dampening is improved, but the cover strip may fall off the rail without proper retention mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces snap elements as intermediary components that mediate between the cover strip and the carrier rail. These snap elements engage with the elongated slots in the rail to provide reliable retention of the cover strip, solving the problem of the cover strip falling off while maintaining the noise reduction function.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap elements are integrated within the projections of the cover strip, creating a nested structure where the retention mechanism is contained within the cover strip itself. This allows the cover strip to retain the snap elements while the snap elements engage with the rail slots to provide secure attachment.
2Reliability
If projections are added to retain and center the cover strip on the rail, then retention and centering are improved, but the complexity of the cover strip structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projections serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide retention through snap elements, provide centering by fitting into the elongated slots, and maintain the noise dampening function of the cover strip. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the retention function and centering function into a single projection structure. The snap elements and the centering geometry are integrated into the same projections, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms and centering features.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover strip is made from a softer material to improve sound dampening, then noise reduction is improved, but the structural strength of the cover strip may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover strip is made from a polymer material that provides both sound dampening properties and sufficient structural strength. The material selection balances the need for noise reduction with the requirement for mechanical strength to maintain the cover strip's integrity and functionality.
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 cover strip effectively reduces noise propagation and retains its position on the rail, ensuring a quiet and visually appealing storage system with easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
at least some of the projections are provided with a snap element at their distal ends, which snap elements engage with the slots and prevent the cover strip from falling off the rail
Implementation Method 2
A relatively softer cover strip of this type can help dampening sound propagating along the carrier rail such that noise is reduced to some extent
Implementation Method 3
the projections are located on the cover strip in a pattern coinciding with slots on a front portion of the carrier rail. Thereby, the cover strip can be fitted on the front portion with the projections entering the slots
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a flexible cover strip for a storage system including a carrier rail (1) having a U-shaped cross section with first and second parallel rows (3, 5) of elongated substantially identical slots (7) in a front portion to accommodate a suspension element such as e.g. a bracket. The cover strip has an abutment face (17) and an exterior face (31), and a plurality of projections (19), rising from the abutment surface of the strip in first and second parallel rows matching the slots of the carrier rail, such that the cover strip can be fitted on the front portion with the projections entering the slots, and wherein at least some of the projections are provided with a snap element (27) at their distal ends, which snap elements prevent the cover strip from falling off the rail.