Corner Cabinet Fitting With Height-Adjustable Independent Trays

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corner cupboard designs limit the ability to adjust the height of multiple trays independently and impose load constraints on upper shelves, restricting accessibility and storage capacity.

Innovation Solution

A height-adjustable holding device with keyhole receptacles allows for individual tray positioning and load distribution, enabling independent movement and adjustable height settings for multiple trays, while reinforcing the side wall to handle increased loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a telescopic support column is used to accommodate different room dimensions, then adaptability to different cupboard sizes is improved, but the load-bearing capacity for upper shelves is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different cupboard sizesVSAvoidload-bearing capacity of upper shelf

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into a stationary support column and a separate adjustable support element (pin) that can be positioned at different heights. This segmentation allows the load-bearing function to be distributed to multiple attachment points on the support column, increasing overall load capacity while maintaining adaptability through vertical adjustment of the pin position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution introduces vertical dimensionality to the attachment system by providing multiple attachment points at different heights on the support column. This allows the tray to be supported at various vertical positions, enabling adaptation to different cupboard dimensions while distributing loads across multiple structural points, thereby increasing load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If two links are articulated to the underside of each tray to enable controlled movement, then tray accessibility is improved, but the connection position precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray accessibilityVSAvoidconnection position precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The link connection system is designed to automatically self-align and self-adjust during tray installation and operation. The articulated connections between links and trays incorporate inherent alignment features that guide the links into their correct positions, reducing the precision requirements for manual installation while maintaining smooth, controlled tray movement throughout the extraction path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If multiple trays are arranged one above the other, then storage capacity is improved, but individual tray accessibility becomes difficult without removing other trays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidindividual tray accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Each tray is equipped with its own independent link mechanism that connects directly to the support column. This segmentation of the support system allows each tray to be individually controlled and extracted independently from the others, enabling users to access any tray in the vertical stack without needing to remove trays above or below it, thereby maintaining both high storage capacity and individual accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 flexible and independent positioning of trays, enhancing accessibility and storage capacity while distributing loads effectively across the corner cupboard structure.

Implementation Method 1

at least one link (8, 11) which supports the tray and transfers the tray on a predetermined path of movement from an inner position in the interior of the corner cabinet to an outer position located essentially in front of the door opening of the corner cabinet, which is movably connected to the underside of the tray and to the side wall in an articulated manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectArticulated movement: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

a holding device (10, 12) on which the handlebar (8, 11) of the tray is held in a height-adjustable manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeight adjustment mechanism: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

the handlebars are fixed to a telescopic column which is supported on the bottom of the cabinet and on the top of the corner cabinet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTelescopic support: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2353437B1Corner cabinet, in particular kitchen corner cabinet, with a fitting

Publication Date: 2014.09.10 KESSEBOHMER HLDG KG

Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3~4b

AI summary

The fitting (2) has an inner chamber (3) accessible from a front-side via a corner cabinet door (4), and suspension arms (8, 11) jointly connected with a lower side of shelf boards (6, 7) and a side wall part (2.1) in a pivotably movable manner. The suspension arms are supported at a retaining device (10) i.e. retaining rail, connected with the side wall part in a height-variable manner. The suspension arms transfer the shelf boards on a preset movement path from an inner position into an outer position and support the shelf boards.