Adjustable Ironing Board Cabinet With Stable Wall-Mount Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ironing board storage devices are difficult to install, require significant manual labor, are not easily relocatable, lack stability during use, and are inaccessible to individuals with disabilities due to their fixed mounting in walls and inadequate support mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A modular ironing board storage device with a vertically adjustable frame assembly and ratchet-pawl mechanism that allows for easy installation, adjustable height, and securement in the operating position, along with a door that can be easily opened and closed, and handles accessible for users in wheelchairs, enabling easy relocation and improved accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the ironing board storage device is mounted within a wall cabinet requiring large openings and support studs, then the device is securely supported, but the installation becomes difficult and requires major repair work
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components: a wall-mounting bracket assembly and a storage cabinet assembly. The bracket can be independently mounted to wall studs, then the cabinet attaches to the bracket, eliminating the need for complex integrated installation and reducing wall repair requirements
Solution Approach 2:
A wall-mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the wall structure and the storage cabinet. This bracket absorbs the structural support requirements, allowing the cabinet itself to be lighter and easier to install while maintaining secure support through the bracket-cabinet connection mechanism
2Strength
If the storage device is installed at a fixed location determined by support studs, then adequate structural support is provided, but the device becomes difficult to relocate
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the mounting bracket from the cabinet allows the bracket to remain fixed to the wall structure while the cabinet can be detached and relocated. This modular approach maintains structural support at the mounting point while providing flexibility in cabinet positioning and relocation
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the bracket and cabinet is designed to be dynamic rather than permanent, allowing the cabinet to be easily attached and detached from the fixed bracket mounting, enabling relocation without removing the structural support installation
3Volume of stationary object
If the ironing board is rotatable within the cabinet, then storage space is utilized, but the board lacks adequate support and stability during operation
Solution Approach 1:
A support assembly acts as an intermediary between the rotatable ironing board and the fixed cabinet structure. This support mechanism provides stable operational positioning while allowing the board to rotate between storage and use positions, maintaining both space efficiency and operational stability
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly is designed to dynamically adapt its configuration - providing rotational freedom when the board is being positioned, then locking or stabilizing the board in the operational horizontal position to ensure stability during use
4Shape
If the storage device requires closing a door to conceal the ironing board, then neat appearance is maintained, but accessibility for disabled users is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The door and cabinet are separated into independent components where the door can be easily removed or detached. This allows the cabinet to function as an open storage unit for improved accessibility while maintaining the option to attach a door for neat appearance when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The door configuration is made dynamic - it can be attached when aesthetic concealment is desired and removed when accessibility is the priority, allowing the system to adapt to different user needs and situations
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 facilitates easy installation and relocation, enhances stability during use, and improves accessibility for individuals with disabilities by allowing for adjustable height and secure operation of the ironing board, while minimizing the need for extensive wall support and manual labor.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring positioned within the housing for rotation of the ironing board from the storage position to the operating position
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet and pawl mechanism capable of securing the frame assembly at a plurality of predetermined elevations
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an ironing board storage device that removeably attaches to a wall and rests on a support surface. The device includes an ironing board moveably mounted to a frame assembly within a housing for vertical movement between different elevations and pivotal movement of the ironing board between a generally vertical storage position with a distal end positioned beneath the proximal end to and generally horizontal operating position.