Rack system and method for operating a rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial vehicle racks face inefficiencies due to the lack of adaptability to varying toolbox sizes, leading to compromises in width and space utilization, resulting in heavy and expensive designs.
Innovation Solution
A rack system with adjustable shelves and an adjusting device that pivots about a pivot axis, allowing a greater tilt angle in the transport setting to face away from the access side, and an actuator for automated adjustment based on vehicle state parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rack width is increased to accommodate larger toolboxes, then the rack can hold larger objects, but the rack becomes heavier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is made tiltable about a pivot axis, allowing it to change orientation between a transport setting (tilted backward) and a loading/unloading setting (horizontal or tilted forward). This dynamic adjustment enables the rack to adapt to different toolbox sizes and loading scenarios without requiring a wider rack structure, thereby maintaining rack weight at a reasonable level while improving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt angle of the shelf is varied between different settings. In the transport setting, the shelf tilts backward at a first angle to secure objects during movement. In the loading/unloading setting, the shelf becomes horizontal or tilts forward at a second angle to facilitate easy placement and removal of objects. This parameter change allows the same rack structure to serve multiple functions without increasing width or weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rack width is increased to accommodate larger toolboxes, then the rack can hold larger objects, but the space for objects in the center of the cargo space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tiltable shelf allows the rack to maintain a compact width while adapting to different toolbox sizes through angular adjustment. This eliminates the need to increase rack width to accommodate larger objects, thereby preserving cargo space area in the center of the vehicle while still providing versatility for different toolbox dimensions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the shelf tilt angle in transport setting is increased to improve object securing, then object stability during transport is improved, but accessibility to objects during loading and unloading is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed to be tiltable between two main settings: a transport setting with a backward tilt angle for optimal object stability during movement, and a loading/unloading setting where the shelf becomes horizontal or tilts forward to maximize accessibility. The ability to dynamically change the tilt angle resolves the contradiction by providing optimal stability during transport and optimal accessibility during loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf undergoes periodic angular adjustment between transport and loading/unloading settings. During transport, the shelf maintains a stable tilted position for object security. During loading and unloading operations, the shelf transitions to a horizontal or forward-tilted position for easy access. This periodic action between different angular states ensures both stability and accessibility are optimized at appropriate times.
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
Enhances ergonomic loading and unloading by optimizing shelf orientation for efficient storage and accessibility, reducing manual effort and improving space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
the adjusting device has a threaded spindle and a spindle nut guided on the threaded spindle and connected to the shelf
Implementation Method 2
the adjusting device has a controllable actuator for adjusting the shelf and includes an electronic device for detecting at least one state parameter of the commercial vehicle and for controlling the actuator in accordance with the at least one state parameter
Data Source
AI summary
A rack system for a cargo space of a commercial vehicle having a rack with at least one shelf and at least one adjusting device for adjusting the shelf about a pivot axis extending in the width direction of the rack between a loading and unloading setting and a transport setting, In order to provide a rack system that can be used more efficiently and more ergonomically, the adjusting device is designed in such a way that a tilt angle of the shelf in the transport setting is greater than in the loading and unloading setting, and a load surface of the shelf in the transport setting faces away from an access side of the rack.