Corner Cabinet Shelf Pull-In Mechanism for Controlled Closing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corner cabinet fittings require complex configurations and additional components for automatic pull-in mechanisms, making them difficult to retrofit and prone to causing objects on shelves to fall during closing movements, which impairs usability.

Innovation Solution

A simple pull-in device supported solely by the guide bar or shelf with a coaxial joint axis, featuring a movable actuator and pivotable driver, which interacts with the guide member to control the shelf's movement and automatically pull it into the cabinet during closing, without requiring additional components or complex installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a pull-in mechanism is added to existing corner cabinet fittings, then automatic closing control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic closing controlVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pull-in device merges with the existing guide member by integrating the actuator directly onto the guide member structure. The driver on the shelf interacts with the actuator through the guide member, combining the pulling function with the existing guiding function, thereby achieving automatic closing without adding a separate complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide member serves multiple functions: it guides the shelf movement, supports the actuator, and transmits the pulling force from the driver to the shelf. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device configuration while maintaining automatic closing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If existing fittings are modified to include pull-in mechanisms, then automatic closing is achieved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic closing capabilityVSAvoidretrofit difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pull-in device is segmented into modular components: the actuator that attaches to the guide member, the driver that attaches to the shelf, and the spring mechanism. This segmentation allows for easy retrofitting by independently installing each component without replacing the entire fitting system, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture and installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The essential pull-in function is extracted as a separate, standalone device that can be added to existing fittings. Rather than redesigning the entire fitting system, the invention extracts the automatic closing function into a removable module that interfaces with existing components, simplifying the retrofit process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If shelves are transferred to positions in front of the door opening, then accessibility is improved, but harmful factors increase due to powerful closing movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf accessibilityVSAvoidobjects falling during closing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded actuator provides beforehand cushioning by storing energy during shelf opening and releasing it during closing to control the closing speed. This pre-loaded spring mechanism cushions the closing movement, preventing sudden powerful movements that could cause objects to fall, while still allowing the shelf to reach its accessible position in front of the door opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 a controlled and automatic closing movement of shelves, preventing objects from falling and allowing easy retrofitting on existing fittings, ensuring safe and accessible operation.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (26) which acts on the actuator (15) in an activated state so that the actuator (15) performs an automatic pull-in movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the guide member is articulated by means of a guide member joint axle on the bottom side of the shelf and is connected pivotably by means of a support fitting with a corner cabinet part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS9119470B2Fitting for corner cabinets and pull-in device for said type of fitting

Publication Date: 2015.09.01 KESSEBOHMER HLDG KG

AI summary

A corner cabinet fitting has a support with a guide member supporting a shelf in the cabinet interior for transferring the shelf from an inner position in the cabinet interior into an outer position. The guide member has a first end articulated by a guide member joint axis on the shelf bottom and a second end connected pivotably by a support fitting with a corner cabinet part. During closing, a pull-in device associated with shelf and guide member automatically pulls in shelf and guide member into the cabinet interior from a defined intermediate pivoted shelf position onward. The pull-in device is supported solely on the guide member or the shelf in coaxially alignment with the guide member joint axis on the shelf bottom. An actuator, connected to the pull-in-device and movable relative to the guide member, interacts with a driver on the shelf or on the guide member.