Upright Rail Bracket with Open Region for Shared-Standard Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems require adjacent pairs of upright standards for mounting multiple subassemblies, which limits flexibility and space efficiency, as one standard does not provide adequate mounting area for both subassemblies.
Innovation Solution
The storage system employs upright rails with notches along their length, allowing brackets with hooks to be attached, which can engage both inner and outer notches on a single standard, enabling individual and spaced installation of standards, and adjustable mounting slots for customizable subassembly positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If adjacent pairs of upright standards are used for mounting multiple subassemblies, then adequate mounting area is provided, but flexibility and space efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into two distinct portions: a first portion with hooks for engaging notches on the upright standard, and a second portion without hooks that creates an open region. This segmentation allows another bracket to be mounted in the open region, enabling multiple subassemblies to be supported from a single standard while maintaining adequate mounting area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional mounting pattern (requiring adjacent pairs of standards) to a three-dimensional arrangement where brackets are stacked vertically along a single standard. The open region in the second portion allows another bracket to be positioned in the vertical dimension, eliminating the need for paired standards and improving space efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If adjacent pairs of upright standards are used for mounting multiple subassemblies, then adequate mounting area is provided, but space efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the function of multiple upright standards into a single standard by allowing multiple brackets to be mounted on one standard. The first bracket's open region in its second portion is utilized to mount another bracket, effectively combining the mounting capacity of multiple standards into one, thereby improving space utilization.
3Strength
If brackets cover the entire length of the upright rail, then structural integrity is maintained, but attachment of additional hardware is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the hooks from the second portion of the bracket, creating an open region. This removal allows another bracket or hardware component to be attached in that region without interference from the first bracket's structure, while the first portion with hooks maintains the necessary structural integrity for mounting.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed position mounting is used, then installation is simplified, but adjustability and customization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates mounting slots in its second portion that allow for adjustable positioning of subassemblies. Instead of fixed holes, the slots enable movement along the slot length, providing dynamic adjustability while maintaining simple installation through the same basic slot-and-fastener mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system includes at least one upright rail having a front side with notches formed along a length thereof, the at least one upright rail arranged to be attached to an upright support surface. A bracket is arranged to be attached to the at least one upright rail, the bracket including a substrate and a plurality of hooks extending therefrom which are arranged to be received in a corresponding plurality of the notches, the plurality of hooks disposed only along a first portion of the substrate and not along a second portion of the substrate to define an open region of the bracket. The open region allows for attachment of at least one additional hardware member in a shared section with the bracket along the length of the front side of the at least one upright rail.