A wardrobe apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing space-saving wardrobe solutions for urban environments fail to effectively utilize loft space and provide a secure, stable, and aesthetically integrated storage solution that minimizes floor space usage while ensuring safe and reliable operation.

Innovation Solution

A ceiling-mounted wardrobe apparatus with a vertically movable body and rotating hangers, powered by motors connected to a rigid steel frame, which retracts into a loft space, utilizing the loft void and featuring a secure locking mechanism, proximity sensors, and optional drawers and entertainment features, ensuring efficient space utilization and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the wardrobe is mounted on the ceiling and lowered into the room, then floor space is saved, but the structure becomes more complex and requires secure ceiling anchoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloor spaceVSAvoidceiling mounting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wardrobe is moved from floor-based storage to ceiling-mounted storage, utilizing the vertical dimension and previously unused loft space. The wardrobe body is suspended from the ceiling and can be lowered into the room when needed, transforming the storage solution from horizontal floor occupation to vertical space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The wardrobe body is designed to nest within the loft space when retracted, with the opening in the ceiling allowing the wardrobe to be stored within the building structure itself. The rigid steel frame with securing members integrates the wardrobe into the ceiling/loft structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If the hangers remain fixed on the clothes rail, then the wardrobe structure is simpler, but the hangers cannot pass through the ceiling opening when the wardrobe is retracted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehanger mechanismVSAvoidwardrobe retraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hangers are made rotatable relative to the clothes rail through an actuator mechanism. This dynamic capability allows the hangers to rotate into a horizontal orientation when the wardrobe is lowered, enabling them to pass through the ceiling opening, and then rotate back to the vertical hanging position when the wardrobe is retracted into the loft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the wardrobe is securely anchored to the ceiling, then reliability is improved, but the installation becomes more difficult and requires structural modification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveceiling anchoringVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid steel frame incorporates arc-shaped securing members that engage with the ceiling structure. These curved elements are designed to fit between joists or attach to ceiling surfaces, providing secure anchoring while accommodating variations in ceiling construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Ease of operation

If the wardrobe is lowered into the room, then accessibility is improved, but the risk of dust contamination and damage increases when retracted in the loft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclothes accessibilityVSAvoiddust and damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wardrobe body nests within the loft space when retracted, placing the stored clothes in an enclosed environment above the ceiling. This nesting arrangement protects the clothes from dust and damage in the room while maintaining easy accessibility by simply lowering the wardrobe body when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 a space-efficient, secure, and aesthetically integrated wardrobe system that utilizes loft space without occupying floor space, ensuring safe operation and minimizing dust and damage, while offering flexible storage options and entertainment features.

Implementation Method 1

the clothes rail has an actuator and a plurality of hangers plurality of hangers that are rotated by the actuator with respect to the rail (during movement between the raised and lowered positions, so as to enable the hangers to pass through the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Implementation Method 2

at least one drive motor is arranged to lower and raise the wardrobe body vertically

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical linear motion:

Implementation Method 3

The ceiling securement means spreads the weight of the frame and the apparatus in general across joists or rafters in the attic or loft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWeight distribution:

Implementation Method 4

proximity sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Implementation Method 5

secure locking mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical locking:

Data Source

PatentEP3606379B1A wardrobe apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.03.09 LOFTROBE LTD

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AI summary

A wardrobe apparatus comprising a body supporting a rail, a frame, and a movement mechanism, wherein the actuation means is arranged to move the rail vertically from a first position distal the frame to a second position proximate the frame.