Cabinet-Mounted Retractable Step Stool for Space-Efficient Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing step stools are not adequately designed for safety and stability, particularly for small children and short adults, and they often create clutter when not in use, as they are difficult to store within cabinets without compromising storage space or cabinet integrity.
Innovation Solution
A retractable two-step stool with support channels attached to the side walls of a cabinet, featuring sliding and fixed track channels, and step support assemblies with rollers, allowing for easy extension and retraction, and adjustable horizontal dimensions to fit various cabinet sizes, ensuring stability and ease of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single-step stool is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the height gain is insufficient for reaching high cabinets or shelves
Solution Approach 1:
The step stool employs a nested telescoping structure where multiple steps can be stored within each other in a compact configuration. When extended, the steps unfold to provide sufficient height gain for reaching high cabinets and shelves, while maintaining a space-efficient storage profile within the cabinet.
2Ease of manufacture
If the step stool is mounted to an interior shelf, then installation is simplified, but the shelf may deflect or require reinforcement compromising cabinet integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system extracts the load-bearing function from the interior shelf and transfers it to the cabinet's side walls. The step stool is mounted to the vertical side walls using adjustable brackets, eliminating the need for shelf reinforcement and preserving the structural integrity of particle board shelves while maintaining ease of installation.
3Volume of moving object
If the step stool is stored in the base toe kick, then storage space is utilized, but the toe kick must move opening up for dirt and vermin penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The step stool storage location is moved from the horizontal toe kick space to the vertical cabinet interior space. The telescoping steps retract vertically within the cabinet body, allowing the toe kick to remain sealed against the floor while still providing access to the step stool through the cabinet door.
4Volume of moving object
If the step stool is made retractable with narrow profile, then storage within cabinet is improved, but the stability and safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The step stool employs a dynamic telescoping mechanism with lockable positions that provides both compact storage and stable usage. The steps can be extended to the required length, locked into place, and then used as a stable platform. The same mechanism allows easy retraction to a narrow profile for storage, with multiple locking positions ensuring stability at any extended length.
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 sufficient height gain, stability, and safety while allowing for easy storage within a cabinet, maintaining the cabinet's structural integrity and ease of cleaning, and can be installed in various cabinet types without modifications.
Implementation Method 1
sliding and fixed track channels, and step support assemblies with rollers
Data Source
AI summary
A cabinet mounted step stool can be collapsed to a narrow horizontal profile for storage without compromising usefulness of the cabinet. The step stool is supported on support channels fastened to two side walls of the cabinet. A pair of fixed track channels are supported on the support channels with the fixed track channel openings facing each other, within which two sliding track channels slide with one on the left and the other on the right. Four step support assemblies, each of which comprises a step support with one end pivotally attached to a roller and the other end pivotally attached to a foot. Two rollers slide within the left and other two rollers slide within the right sliding track channel. Two steps are supported on four corners by the four step support assemblies. When extended, the step stool provides two steps with approximately 13½″ rise in height.