Translatable Storage Rack Shelves for Complete Vertical Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horizontal storage systems face limitations such as fixed vertical depth, impediments to horizontal translation, and difficulties in removing shelves due to drawer slide stops and manual locks, which restrict complete vertical access and ease of removal, especially with heavy loads or large drawers.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system with a frame and track members that allows for multiple selectable vertical storage heights, complete vertical clearance between shelves, and ease of drawer removal and translation, featuring followers with wheels and casters for smooth movement and support, enabling shelves to be moved without vertical obstruction and easily removed without tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drawer slide stops are used to prevent accidental dislodgement, then drawer stability is improved, but complete vertical access to lower storage spaces is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the drawer slide stop component entirely from the system. Instead of using stops to limit drawer travel, the design allows drawers to extend fully outward without mechanical restriction, thereby eliminating the obstruction to vertical access while maintaining drawer stability through alternative means such as proper glide design and frame structure.
2Reliability
If manual locks are used to secure heavy drawers, then drawer security is improved, but ease of removal and translation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-locking glides that automatically secure the drawer in position during normal operation but allow easy release when removal is needed. The glide mechanism itself provides the locking function without requiring separate manual locks, enabling users to simply pull the drawer outward to disengage and remove it from the frame.
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 an adjustable drawer depth system where the vertical depth of drawers can be modified to accommodate different storage needs. This is achieved through adjustable glides or removable drawer bottoms that allow the depth to be changed, enabling optimal utilization of vertical space while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.
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 shelving system provides enhanced vertical access, ease of removal, and efficient translation of shelves, overcoming the limitations of conventional systems by allowing complete vertical clearance and easy removal without the need for tilting, even with heavy loads or large drawers.
Implementation Method 1
A first shelf is supported by and movable along the first and third track members, the first shelf comprising a first shelf frame supporting a first shelf bottom received in or otherwise supported by the first shelf frame
Implementation Method 2
featuring followers with wheels and casters for smooth movement and support
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.