Ventilated locker with equipment rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern lockers in athletic and sporting facilities face challenges in efficiently storing and drying heavy, cumbersome equipment such as football helmets and pads, requiring improved storage solutions that promote ease of use and effective ventilation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a ventilated equipment rack with a tilting and sliding feature, mounted on a shelf with a ventilation system that includes an electric fan for air circulation, and a plenum connected to the HVAC system for controlled air flow, along with a separate equipment drying fixture for enhanced drying capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heavy equipment such as helmets and pads is stored in traditional lockers, then storage capacity is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome access and placement
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment rack is designed to be tiltable and slidable, transforming from a static structure to a dynamic one. The rack can be tilted forward and slid out on rails, allowing heavy equipment to be easily accessed and placed without manual lifting, thus improving ease of operation while managing the complexity through functional movement
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of rails as an intermediary mechanism between the rack and the locker floor enables smooth sliding movement. This intermediary structure facilitates easy operation by providing a guided path for the rack, reducing the effort needed to move heavy equipment in and out of storage
2Object-affected harmful factors
If equipment is stored in enclosed locker spaces, then security and organization are improved, but ventilation and drying capabilities deteriorate due to lack of air circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into multiple components: ventilation grilles in the locker walls, a plenum chamber for air distribution, and electric fans mounted on the rack. This segmentation allows air to be introduced, circulated, and exhausted through distributed openings, effectively removing moisture while managing the ventilation system's complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system is designed to activate automatically when equipment is placed on the rack. The electric fans are triggered by the presence of equipment, creating a self-service mechanism where the system monitors and responds to the need for ventilation without manual intervention, thus addressing moisture accumulation while minimizing operational complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional storage racks are used for equipment, then storage function is provided, but drying capability deteriorates due to lack of active air circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The passive mechanical ventilation of traditional racks is replaced with an active electric fan system. The fans are mounted on the rack and directed to blow air over equipment such as helmets and pads, actively removing moisture and improving drying efficiency. This substitution of passive structure with active mechanical ventilation directly addresses the drying capability while enhancing productivity through forced air circulation
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 solution provides efficient storage and drying of equipment by allowing easy access and ventilation, maintaining equipment hygiene and reducing moisture, thereby enhancing the overall locker room experience.
Implementation Method 1
The locker compartment is provided with a ventilation system including a plenum, ventilation grilles, and an electric fan. The fan is switched on when equipment is placed on the rack and moves air through the equipment and the locker compartment.
Implementation Method 2
The plenum is adapted to receive heated air from a HVAC system to evaporate moisture from the equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A locker includes a pair of spaced-apart upstanding sidewalls and at least one shelf extending between the sidewalls, the shelf and sidewalls defining a compartment. A tray is carried on the shelf in the compartment and supported by a pair of rollers and coupled to a pair of rails mounted on the sidewalls above the shelf, wherein the tray slides forward and backward relative to the shelf and rotates about the rollers.