P. ZACH ALI
XYZ
Storage Mods
Creating a modular storage system for makerspaces. Units can be assembled in multiple configurations, maintaining flexibility. Possible configurations include tables, chairs, rolling storage, and more. Doors controlled by RFID are optional. All parts are assembled without glue or fasteners.
Modules are cut from a full sheet of plywood, leaving zero scrap (just dust); using a CNC Router.
PROBLEM
Academic Makerspaces are utilized by (3) Groups: Students, Faculty & Staff. Each group has unique storage needs.
STUDENT NEEDS
Students store Materials and on-going Projects, wherever they can find the space to do so. They leave no signs indicating ownership, and Staff are left to 'guess' what items are trash, usable scrap, or in-progress projects.
In addition, different disciplines (typically) have different project sizes. e.g., Architects will create larger projects than Electrical Engineers.
FACULTY NEEDS
Faculty frequently bring their own materials, equipment, or supplies for course demonstrations. Whether the items are personally purchased, or funded from a separate source- the inability to store these items in a safe location, deters the Faculty from leaving these items in place for continued/shared use. The Faculty will continue to break-down, and set-up these Resources, until they no longer wish to do so. This causes disruption in their schedule, and increases their work-load.
STAFF NEEDS
To supply the Students & Faculty with the resources they need, staff are forced to over-order supplies, tools, and consumables. The inability to properly store these items, in an easily-retrievable and logical location, creates an inefficient means of inventory management.
CRITERIA
UNIVERSAL SOLUTION
Create a storage system that is applicable to all communities and subsets.
FLEXIBILITY
Storage must be reconfigurable, movable & deployable in multiple spaces.
MULTIPURPOSE
Storage solution should not eliminate wall or storage space.
SOLUTION
Design and create a Modular Storage Solution, that is reconfigurable, flexible, and applicable to each group and space. (3) separate storage systems - varying in size, will be created to provide suitable storage & reconfiguration; depending on each group's requirements. Modularity allows for customization of combined units - allowing for each space to feature its own unique solution.
SIZING
(4) years of project sizes were collected from students & faculty participating in creative & technical workflows. The averages proved insightful, and provided (4) 'most-useful' storage sizes. From these values, extra-large storage was eliminated*. The final, most-useful sizes are: (h x w x d)
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Small = 12" x 14" x 18" (Z-System)
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Small + Medium = 9" x 24" x 36" (X-System)
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Medium + Large = 14" x 24" x 24" (Y-System)
*94% of extra-large storage data was generated from Architecture Students. 80% of these individuals preferred storage-racks.
ASSEMBLY & STRENGTH
Each unit is cut from a full 8' x 4' sheet of plywood. The unit size allows for easy layout and cutting on a CNC Router, yielding all parts with limited/zero scrap material. The final design features a pressure fit joint pattern, assembling without the need of fasteners. Each unit features a specific bolt pattern. This pattern allows the assembled units to be reconfigured and joined together with binding posts, bolts, and washers. The more Units you join together, the stronger the System becomes.
FLEXIBILITY & PURPOSE
Units are reconfigurable and modular in design. Depending on the needs of the space and Users- storage units can be assembled into a dedicated storage configuration or wheels can be added to allow for easy relocation. In spaces where more wall space is required, creating mobile systems or using table-top configurations maintain the existing wall space, while increasing storage & table space.
LOSS PREVENTION
Locking mechanisms will not be added, initially - but RFID controlled storage doors and locks may be added in the future. In the interim, as a means of declaring ownership, storage bins/totes will be provided. Smaller storage needs receive a 6-quart bin (shoe-box). Small-medium storage needs receive a 12-quart storage bin (two shoe-boxes?). Medium-large storage needs receive a lockable, flip-top, 12-gallon storage tote. Flip-top lids are important: The lids will never 'disappear'!
PRODUCT
X-SYSTEM
The X-System, provides functional table-top storage space. Tools, supplies, documents, cutting mats, power supplies, electronics, or computers are just a few items that can be easily stored within this unit. Partitions can be removed or adjusted.
Measurements:
35.5" x 23.625" x 8.75" (l x w x h)
Y-SYSTEM
The primary component of the entire storage solution, this unit offers medium-large storage for 12-gallon storage totes. Optional partitions easily slide into place through (2) milled channels located on each side of the unit. A single, horizontal or vertical partition will divide the space equally. Using BOTH partitions, divides the space into (4). Partitioned spaces are capable of handling 6 & 12 quart storage containers.
Measurements:
23.625" x 23.625" x 14.75" (l x w x h)
Z-SYSTEM
The Z-System offers smaller storage space. Applicable for tools, supplies, or small projects- this storage solution has yet to be finalized and deployed.
Measurements:
17.75" x 11.75" x 14.75" (l x w x h)