Universal Structural Member Anti-Rotation Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage racks face issues with structural members loosening or rotating under heavy loads, and existing solutions require multiple versions of structural members for different-sized racks, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A universal structural member with multiple off-centered holes and a L-shape configuration that prevents rotation by contacting an upper plane of the horizontal bar, allowing it to be adaptable to three, four, and three and a half inch horizontal bars, serving as both a connecting component and an anti-rotation device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of structural members are used for different-sized racks, then each rack size can have optimized structural members, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structural member is designed with multiple holes at different positions and orientations, allowing a single universal member to be adapted to different rack sizes (three-inch, four-inch, and three-and-a-half-inch horizontal bars) by selecting appropriate holes for fastening, eliminating the need for multiple specialized member versions
2Strength
If structural members are fastened to horizontal bars, then connection strength is improved, but rotation occurs under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The structural member features asymmetric hole positioning and an L-shape configuration with a flange that contacts the upper plane of the horizontal bar. This asymmetric design creates a mechanical interlock that prevents rotation in both directions while maintaining strong fastening connection
3Ease of operation
If holes are drilled at different locations for different rack sizes, then proper fastening is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing different structural members with different hole patterns for different rack sizes, the invention provides a single universal member with multiple holes positioned to accommodate various fastening requirements, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining ease of operation across all rack sizes
Data Source
AI summary
A structural member with a central portion that has a first piece and a second piece which form a cross-sectional L-shape configuration along a longitudinal axis is disclosed herein. When fastened to a horizontal bar, the first piece of the structural member may come into contact with a portion of the horizontal bar, thereby preventing the structural member from rotating. The structural member includes a connection component that extends from an end of the first piece, and the connection component extends substantially perpendicular to the first piece. The connection component may be configured in at least two different embodiments in that the connection component may include two holes or three holes. The implementation of more than one hole on the connection component allows the structural member to be universal in that it can be implemented on varying sized storage racks that employ different sized horizontal bars.