Trunk-Mounted Multi-Shelf Storage Rack to Prevent Grocery Crushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Haphazard stacking of grocery bags in SUV trunks leads to fragile items being crushed and spilled due to the lack of effective separation and stabilization, causing damage and loss during transport.
Innovation Solution
A trunk-mounted storage rack with adjustable twin-shelf or triple-shelf configurations, where heavier items are placed on the bottom shelf and lighter, fragile items on the top, with features like ribbed shelves, lip barriers, and a slide-out cooler platform to secure and organize groceries effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If grocery bags are stacked haphazardly in the trunk, then the trunk space is easily accessible, but fragile items are crushed and spilled due to lack of separation
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system divides the trunk space into multiple shelves (top shelf, bottom shelf, and optionally center shelf) that separate different types of grocery bags. This segmentation allows heavy items to be placed on lower shelves while fragile items are protected on upper shelves, preventing crushing while maintaining organized accessibility.
2Reliability
If shelves are added to separate grocery bags, then fragile items are protected from crushing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage rack employs adjustable columns with receptacles that can accommodate different shelf configurations. Users can adjust the height and position of shelves based on their specific needs, allowing the system to adapt between twin-shelf and triple-shelf configurations. This dynamic adjustability provides protection for fragile items while keeping the structure flexible and not overly complex.
3Quantity of substance
If the trunk space is maximized by fitting shelves wall-to-wall, then storage capacity increases, but the shelves must accommodate the tapered shape caused by slanted rear seats
Solution Approach 1:
The shelves are designed with asymmetric dimensions to match the tapered geometry of the SUV trunk space. The shelf width varies along its length, being wider at the rear and narrower toward the front, where the rear seats are slanted. This asymmetric design allows the shelves to fit wall-to-wall in the available space, maximizing storage capacity while accommodating the non-uniform trunk shape.
4Length of moving object
If twin-shelf configuration is used with 20'' long columns, then taller grocery bags can be stored, but the height increases compared to triple-shelf configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic configurability between twin-shelf and triple-shelf arrangements. In twin-shelf mode, 20-inch columns create taller individual shelves suitable for tall grocery bags. In triple-shelf mode, 10-inch columns create three shorter shelves that collectively provide the same overall height. This dynamic reconfiguration allows users to optimize for either tall items or increased storage quantity based on their needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A trunk mounted storage rack for sport utility vehicles (SUV) securely restrains grocery bags and prevents damage to fragile items contained therein. The trunk mounted storage rack includes a top shelf, a bottom shelf, a top lip, a bottom lip, a top-level barrier, an intermediate support frame, and a barrier support wall. The top shelf and the bottom shelf are sized to closely fit in the trunk of the SUV. The intermediate support frame suspends the top shelf over the bottom shelf. The barrier support wall allows the top-level barrier to mount to the top shelf and prevent items from falling from the top shelf into the rear seat compartment when the SUV turns or brakes.