Adjustable, two-position support bracket for supporting a work surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolers often cannot be fully opened when placed against a vertical surface due to the design of their lids, limiting access to the interior and not providing additional work surfaces for users.
Innovation Solution
The cooler design incorporates a chamfered edge on the lid and insertable brackets that allow the lid to rotate fully open even when against a vertical surface, and provide additional work surfaces by holding panels against extended handles, utilizing hinged, rotating portions to secure handles and panels in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is designed to close tightly against the chest portion, then the sealing and insulation are improved, but the lid cannot be fully opened when the cooler is placed against a vertical surface
Solution Approach 1:
The lid edge is segmented into a flat portion and a chamfered portion, allowing different functional zones on the same component. The flat portion maintains sealing contact with the chest while the chamfered portion provides clearance when the cooler is against a vertical surface, enabling full lid opening without compromising seal integrity.
2Volume of moving object
If the handle is positioned close to the chest body for compactness, then the overall size is reduced, but no additional work surface is provided for users
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is extended in a lateral direction away from the chest body, utilizing horizontal space rather than increasing vertical height or footprint. This dimensional extension creates a new functional zone that serves as a work surface while maintaining the cooler's compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended handle serves multiple functions: it provides a gripping handle for carrying the cooler and simultaneously creates a work surface for food preparation or placement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, maintaining compact size while adding versatility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid bracket is used to hold the handle in position, then the handle is securely held, but the bracket cannot be easily installed or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates a rotating portion that transitions from a mobile state during installation to a fixed state during use. The bracket can be rotated between a first position for easy insertion and a second position for securing the handle, combining ease of installation with stable handle positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating portion of the bracket is designed to be preliminarily positioned in an accessible state for installation, then subsequently secured in a fixed position to hold the handle. This preliminary positioning allows easy installation before the bracket is activated to provide stable handle support.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooler includes a chest portion and a lid. The chest portion defines a cavity within the chest portion. The lid is also formed of molded plastic and is attached via a hinge along an edge of an opening of the chest portion. The opening of the chest portion is also an opening of the cavity. The cooler assembly also includes a pair of handle assemblies attached to the chest portion on opposite sides. An insertable bracket is configured to hold a handle of a handle assembly in an extended position, extending away from the side of the chest portion at substantially a right angle to the side of the chest portion. The bracket is further configured to retain and hold a panel along a side edge of the opening of the chest portion, and with the panel resting against the extended handle.