Releasable Cabinet Support Foot for Tool-Free Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cabinet assemblies require time-consuming and tool-dependent processes to release support assemblies, which is inefficient and inconvenient for reconfiguring between floor and shelf or wall support.
Innovation Solution
A cabinet assembly design featuring a pivot pin and a locking device that allows the support foot to be secured and released without tools, enabling quick reconfiguration by moving between engaged and released positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a support assembly is included in the cabinet assembly, then the cabinet can be supported on a floor surface, but the support assembly takes up unnecessary space and adds weight when the cabinet is hung on a wall or resting on a shelf
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into a base portion and a support foot portion that can be separated. The support foot can be detached from the base, allowing the cabinet to be configured for floor support or wall/shelf mounting without carrying unnecessary components, thereby reducing weight for non-floor configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly transitions from a static, permanently attached structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The support foot can be moved between an extended position (providing floor support) and a retracted or detached position (eliminating unnecessary weight for wall or shelf mounting).
2Adaptability or versatility
If a support assembly is included in the cabinet assembly, then the cabinet can be supported on a floor surface, but the support assembly is aesthetically unappealing when the cabinet is hung on a wall or resting on a shelf
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the support foot from the base, the design allows the support foot to be removed or retracted when the cabinet is mounted on a wall or shelf, eliminating the visual clutter of unnecessary support components and improving aesthetic appearance.
3Reliability
If a tool-dependent locking mechanism is used to secure the support assembly, then the support assembly can be securely fixed, but the release process is time-consuming and requires tools that may not be readily available
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be operable without external tools. The user can directly manipulate the locking component (such as a snap-fit, cam, or lever mechanism) to secure or release the support foot, making the system self-servicing and eliminating dependency on screwdrivers, wrenches, or drills.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional tool-dependent threaded fastening system is replaced with a tool-free mechanical locking system such as a snap-fit, cam lock, or lever-operated mechanism that can be engaged and disengaged by hand, significantly reducing release time and eliminating tool requirements.
4Reliability
If a tool-dependent locking mechanism is used to secure the support assembly, then the support assembly can be securely fixed, but the process of releasing support assemblies is generally time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism allows users to quickly release the support foot without requiring tools or complex procedures. A simple manual operation (such as pressing a release button, moving a lever, or pulling a tab) disengages the lock, enabling rapid reconfiguration and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The time-consuming threaded fastening or welding process is replaced with a quick-release mechanical system that can be engaged and disengaged in seconds by hand, dramatically increasing reconfiguration speed while maintaining secure fixation during use.
Data Source
AI summary
A cabinet assembly includes a base and walls secured to the base to define an interior. The cabinet assembly further includes a pivot pin coupled to the base and a locking device coupled to the base. The locking device is movable relative to the base between an engaged position and a released position. The cabinet assembly additionally includes a support foot. The support foot is fixed to the base in a first orientation when the locking device is in the engaged position. The support foot is movable about the pivot pin to a second orientation spaced from the locking device when the locking device is in the released position.