Storage system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage systems for elongated objects face issues such as lack of visibility, obstructed access, safety concerns, space inefficiency, and damage during storage and retrieval, particularly when handling shorter items which often lead to recycling, resulting in environmental and economic inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A storage system that secures elongated objects in a vertical orientation using a rack with multiple mounting elements and flexible tying elements, allowing for clear access, safe handling, and efficient use of space, with tension adjusters for stability and multiple attachment points for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If elongated items are stored in horizontally disposed piles, then storage capacity is increased, but visibility and access to individual items deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal stacking to vertical storage orientation. Elongated items are stored upright in vertical racks rather than horizontally piled, allowing items to be arranged in a vertical dimension. This enables clear visibility of item ends and facilitates direct access to any item in the stack without moving others, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and ease of access.
2Quantity of substance
If horizontal storage is used, then storage density is improved, but safety risks and damage potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal storage approach by implementing vertical storage. Items are positioned upright with their length oriented vertically rather than horizontally. This inversion fundamentally changes the stability characteristics, eliminating the risk of horizontal piles tumbling over while maintaining high storage density through optimized vertical rack configurations.
3Reliability
If double-hook cranes are used for horizontal storage, then handling safety is improved, but equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the storage orientation from horizontal to vertical, the patent changes the handling requirements. Vertical storage allows items to be lifted from the bottom end using single-hook cranes, eliminating the need for complex double-hook systems required for horizontal storage. This inversion simplifies the crane system while maintaining safety through proper attachment points on the vertical items.
4Quantity of substance
If shorter items are stored in horizontal piles, then storage utilization is improved, but item stability and pile safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into vertical racks that can accommodate items of varying lengths independently. Each rack position can hold a single item vertically, allowing shorter items to be stored without compromising the stability of adjacent longer items. This segmentation eliminates the instability problem inherent in mixing different长度的 items in horizontal piles while maintaining high storage utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system (10) for storing an elongated object (26) in a substantially vertical orientation relative to a ground surface (13), the storage system including a rack (11), the rack (11) including a supporting structure (30), a first member (14) supported by the supporting structure (30) above the ground surface (13) and a second member (12) supported by the supporting structure (30) above the ground surface (13) higher than the first member (14); a first mounting element (22) securable to both the elongated object (26) and to the first member (14) together to mount the elongated object (26) to the first member (12); and a second mounting element (20) securable to both the first mounting element (22) and to the second member (12) together.