Brewer Stand Drawer With Lever-Roller Countertop Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for storing and moving beverage cartridges with single-cup brewers are cumbersome and lack safety features to prevent accidental movement beyond the countertop edge, especially when overhead clearance is limited.
Innovation Solution
A stand with a rectangular wire frame base and elastomeric friction pads, rollers, and a manually actuable lever that allows the stand to pivot from friction-based to roller-based movement, enabling safe and easy relocation of the brewer and storage drawer beneath overhead cabinets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the brewer is placed beneath overhead cabinets to save countertop space, then space utilization is improved, but overhead clearance is insufficient to lift the brewer's handle
Solution Approach 1:
The base member incorporates a dynamic movement mechanism that transitions from static friction-based positioning to dynamic roller-based movement when the lever is actuated, enabling the brewer to be moved forward despite limited overhead clearance
Solution Approach 2:
Rollers serve as an intermediary element between the base member and countertop surface, facilitating forward movement of the brewer when space is constrained beneath overhead cabinets, while friction pads provide stability during normal operation
2Ease of operation
If the brewer is slid forward on the countertop to access it, then access is improved, but the brewer may pass over the front edge and fall to the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The friction pads are positioned at the front of the base member to provide preliminary resistance against forward movement, preventing the brewer from accidentally passing over the countertop edge while still allowing intentional movement when the lever is actuated
Solution Approach 2:
The interaction between the friction pads and countertop surface provides tactile feedback to the user about the brewer's position and movement status, enhancing awareness and control during operation
3Ease of operation
If a drawer for storing beverage cartridges is added to the stand, then storage convenience is improved, but the overall weight and complexity of the stand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire frame base member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the drawer and brewer, incorporates movement control mechanisms through friction pads and rollers, and enables both stable positioning and controlled mobility, thereby managing complexity through functional integration
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
Enables safe and effortless movement of the brewer and storage drawer without falling off the countertop, ensuring convenient access to cartridges while preventing accidental displacement.
Implementation Method 1
Affixed to the underside of the wire frame proximate the intersection of the left and right frame sides with the front side are elastomeric friction pads
Implementation Method 2
a pair of rollers is affixed to the underside of the wire frame proximate the intersection of the left and right frame sides with the rear frame side. The rollers are journaled for rotation about axes that are parallel to the rear frame side
Implementation Method 3
The lever, when actuated, functions to tip the base member at an angle with respect to a support surface such that the friction pads no longer contact the support surface and only the rollers remain in contact with the support surface
Data Source
AI summary
A stand for a single-cup beverage brewer incorporates a beverage cartridge storage drawer and incorporates a lever mechanism which, when actuated, simultaneously lifts a plurality of elastomeric friction pads from contacting a support surface, such as a kitchen countertop, while supporting the assembly on rollers to facilitate moving the stand and beverage brewer supported thereon. Release of the lever again brings the friction pads into contact with the countertop to function as a brake.