Storage unit with support cradle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular racks for storing water bottles are prone to damage and scratching due to bouncing or bumping during transportation, which reduces the appearance and lifespan of the bottles.
Innovation Solution
A storage unit with a housing that includes a support cradle with longitudinally extending rails having a smooth arcuate or ribbed surface, positioned closer to the central axis than the circumferential wall, and an upper bumper to minimize contact and absorption of shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bottles are stored in conventional modular racks with circumferential walls, then storage capacity and structural support are improved, but bottle damage and scratching increase due to contact with the wall during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces support cradles as intermediary elements between the bottles and the rack structure. These cradles have smooth arcuate contact surfaces that provide support to the bottles without the harsh contact that causes scratching. The cradles act as a mediator that transfers the load from the bottle to the rack while minimizing harmful contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different surface qualities to different parts of the support structure. The support cradles have smooth arcuate contact surfaces specifically at the points of contact with the bottles, while other parts of the rack can have different properties. This localized smooth surface quality prevents scratching at the critical contact points.
2Device complexity
If bottles are supported directly against circumferential walls, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to bouncing and bumping during rough transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The support cradles are pre-installed in the rack structure to provide cushioning and protection before any damage can occur. The cradles create a buffered support system that absorbs shocks and prevents direct impact between bottles and the rack walls during rough transportation, thereby improving reliability beforehand.
3Manufacturing precision
If smooth arcuate support surfaces are used, then bottle appearance quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs arcuate (curved) contact surfaces on the support cradles instead of flat or angular surfaces. This curvature naturally conforms to the cylindrical shape of bottles, providing smooth contact that prevents scratching. The curved geometry is achieved through standard molding or forming processes, making it manufacturable despite the increased precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage unit for storing one or more storable members. The storage unit includes a housing configured to support at least one storage tunnel. The storage tunnel is defined by a circumferential wall extending about a central axis with the circumferential wall having a minimum distance from the central axis. A support cradle is defined along a lower portion of the tunnel and includes at least one longitudinal rail extending parallel with the central axis. The at least one longitudinal rail has a support surface which is at a distance from the central axis which is less than the minimum distance of the circumferential wall.