Systems and methods related to storage racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horizontal storage systems often suffer from fixed vertical depth, impediments to horizontal translation, and difficulties in removing shelves due to drawer slide stops and manual locks, which limit vertical access and ease of use, especially with heavy loads or large drawers.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system with adjustable vertical storage space heights, complete vertical clearance between shelves, and easy drawer removal and translation, featuring a frame with parallel side frames, track members, and followers with wheels for smooth movement, allowing shelves to be translated and removed without manual locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If drawer slide stops are provided to prevent accidental dislodgement, then drawer stability is improved, but vertical access to lower storage spaces is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional drawer slide stop mechanism entirely, replacing it with a system where drawers can be freely extended and secured only by user choice (using clips or manual holding). This extraction of the restrictive stop mechanism eliminates the blockage to vertical access while maintaining drawer stability through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces removable clips as intermediary elements that provide optional stabilization without permanently blocking access. These clips act as mediators between the drawer and the user, allowing stability when needed but not interfering with vertical access when the clips are removed or not engaged.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual locks are used to secure heavy drawers, then drawer security is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes manual locks entirely from the drawer system. Instead, drawers rely on their structural design, follower engagement with tracks, and optional clip usage to provide security. This extraction eliminates the complexity of lock mechanisms while maintaining adequate drawer security for the intended applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer system is designed to be self-securing through its structural integrity and follower-track engagement. The drawers automatically maintain their position and security through the mechanical interaction of their components without requiring external locking mechanisms or manual intervention.
3Ease of manufacture
If drawers are designed with fixed vertical depth, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but vertical space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable drawer depths through a modular design where drawer bottoms can be repositioned along the drawer sides. This dynamic configuration allows the vertical depth to be changed according to storage needs, maximizing space utilization while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer structure is segmented into modular components, particularly the drawer bottom and side panels, which can be independently adjusted or reconfigured. This segmentation enables flexible vertical depth adjustment without requiring completely different drawer units, thus maintaining manufacturing efficiency while improving space utilization.
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
Enables maximum utilization of vertical space, complete vertical access, and easy removal and translation of shelves, improving storage efficiency and usability, particularly with heavy loads or large drawers.
Implementation Method 1
followers with wheels for smooth movement
Implementation Method 2
followers with wheels for smooth movement
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods directed to shelving systems include a frame and one or more translatable shelves. The shelves are supported on rails and are horizontally translatable from a rearward position to a forward position. When adjacent shelves are respectively most rearward and most forward, certain shelf and frame structural cooperation enhance shelf access and shelf removability. Provided a single shelving kit, certain shelf configuration may be customized for particular end uses.