Wire Mesh Storage Platform with Nested Attachment for Load Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage rack systems face instability and interference issues during loading and unloading due to unsupported or improperly attached support members, which can lead to displacement of goods and hinder the loading process.

Innovation Solution

A cold-formed support member with a U-shaped body and connection flaps that conform to horizontal I-beams or C-beams, providing secure attachment points and preventing interference with the loading process, while also featuring a deck structure with parallel and perpendicular rods for enhanced support and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If support members are attached to horizontal beams with bolts or rivets, then the support members are secured and do not become displaced, but the attachment process becomes complicated and structures may extend past the edge of the beams, interfering with loading and unloading operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of support membersVSAvoidloading and unloading process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is divided into distinct functional segments: a U-shaped body for load-bearing, connection flaps for attachment, and a curved transition zone. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the connection flaps can be designed to attach within beam boundaries while the U-shaped body provides support functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection flaps are nested within the boundaries of the horizontal beams when attached, ensuring that the attachment structures do not extend past the edge of the beams. This nesting approach prevents interference with loading and unloading operations while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If support members are not fastened to horizontal beams, then the attachment process is simple, but the support members can become displaced as items are loaded or storage surfaces are placed on them

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of attachmentVSAvoidstability of support members
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection flaps are integrated as part of the support member itself, formed from the same piece of material. This merging eliminates the need for separate attachment components while providing secure fastening capability through the flaps that can be bolted to the horizontal beams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support member includes its own attachment mechanism (connection flaps with bolt receiving holes) as an integral part of its structure. The member is self-sufficient for attachment purposes, eliminating the need for external fastening components and simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If additional pallets or cartons are loaded by pushing against previously loaded containers, then loading efficiency is improved, but existing containers can be unintentionally pushed off the rear of the storage surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading efficiencyVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of containers
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The curved transition at the connection flaps creates a mechanical constraint that prevents excessive horizontal movement of the support member. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the pushing forces during loading, preventing containers from being inadvertently displaced while still allowing efficient loading operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 ensures stable and reliable storage surfaces that can support heavy loads without obstructing the loading and unloading process, maintaining structural integrity and preventing accidental displacement of goods.

Implementation Method 1

The support member can be formed by cold or hot working metals such as steel or aluminum, such as by pressing or rolling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCold-forming: Cold-forming

Data Source

PatentUS11419413B2Enhanced storage support platform
Publication Date: 2022.08.23 FRAZIER INDUSTRIAL COMPANY
  • US11419413B2 patent drawing
  • US11419413B2 patent drawing
  • US11419413B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Warehouse support structures capable of supporting heavy loads are supported by support members coupled to horizontal support beams, attached to vertical columns. The structure can comprise wire a mesh platform. The front end can be bent down, to nest against a horizontal support beam. The rear end can be bent up, over the horizontal to act as a pallet safety stop. It can also extend rearwards from the horizontal beam to provide additional support surface area. The construction presents a smooth, easy to assemble, snag free construction.