Adaptable Bin With Folding Secondary Shelf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage bins in vehicles lack flexibility in accommodating different sizes and types of objects, as they often require removable shelves that can get lost or do not maximize space when not in use.
Innovation Solution
An adaptable bin with a moveable secondary shelf that can transition between collapsed and expanded positions, using hinges and guide slots to redefine storage volumes within the primary bin, allowing for varying configurations without the need for detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a secondary shelf is added to create additional storage volume, then storage versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary shelf is nested within the primary bin interior, allowing it to be stored inside the main storage space when not in use. This nesting approach enables the secondary shelf to be integrated into the bin structure without adding external complexity, while still providing additional storage volume when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary shelf is designed to be moveable between a stored position and an expanded position using a hinge mechanism. This dynamic configuration allows the shelf to transform from a compact state during normal bin operation to an expanded state when additional storage is needed, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If removable shelves are used to maximize space flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to loss risk
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary shelf is permanently integrated with the bin through a hinge connection mechanism, merging the shelf and bin into a single unified structure. This integration eliminates the risk of the shelf being lost or separated, while still allowing the shelf to be moved between positions to provide space flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism enables the secondary shelf to be dynamically repositioned between stored and expanded configurations while remaining permanently attached to the bin. This dynamic connection provides both retention reliability (preventing loss) and space flexibility (allowing reconfiguration).
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 adaptable bin provides flexible storage solutions by maximizing space and accommodating different object sizes without the risk of losing the secondary shelf, offering enhanced usability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
The secondary shelf includes a first shelf segment and a first hinge, which rotatably connects the first shelf segment to the bin end wall
Implementation Method 2
The secondary shelf also includes a second shelf segment and a second hinge, which rotatably connects the second shelf segment to first shelf segment
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptable bin includes a bin floor, at least two bin side walls, and one or more bin end walls. The bin floor, bin side walls, and bin end wall define a primary storage volume and define a bin opening allowing access to the primary storage volume. The adaptable bin also includes a secondary shelf moveable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The secondary shelf defines a secondary storage volume in the expanded position. The secondary shelf includes a first shelf segment and a first hinge, which rotatably connects the first shelf segment to the bin end wall, and a second shelf segment and a second hinge, which rotatably connects the first and second shelf segments. The first and second shelf segments are substantially parallel to the bin end wall in the collapsed position and are substantially perpendicular to the bin end wall in the expanded position.