Corner Cupboard Turntable Fitting With Modular Shelf Extensions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corner cupboard fittings require multiple adjustments and handling of components to accommodate different cabinet sizes, such as 80cm and 90cm dimensions, which is cumbersome and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

The fitting includes extension pieces that allow the bearing points to be displaced outward from the axis of rotation, enabling adaptation to various cabinet sizes by lengthening the distance between the axis of rotation and the bearing point, with the option of attaching these pieces to the support units using latching mechanisms, thus simplifying size adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the rotary column is repositioned in different receiving openings to adapt to different cabinet dimensions, then the fitting can accommodate different cupboard sizes, but the adjustment process becomes complex and requires handling the complete rotary column

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to different cabinet sizesVSAvoidadjustment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting is divided into a fixed rotary column and separate adjustable support elements with extension pieces. Instead of moving the entire column, only the support elements need adjustment by attaching or removing extension pieces, significantly simplifying the adaptation process while maintaining versatility for different cabinet sizes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment functionality is extracted from the rotary column and placed into separate support elements with detachable extension pieces. This allows the column to remain fixed and stable while the extension pieces provide the necessary adaptability for different cabinet dimensions through simple attachment and detachment operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the bearing point is displaced outward using extension pieces to lengthen the distance from the axis of rotation, then the fitting adapts to different cupboard sizes, but the support unit structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment to different cabinet dimensionsVSAvoidsupport unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support unit is segmented into a base support element and detachable extension pieces. Each extension piece is a simple component that attaches to the base element, allowing the bearing point position to be adjusted by combining different numbers of extension pieces without creating complex integrated structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension pieces are designed to attach to the support element in a nested manner, where each extension piece extends the functional length while maintaining a compact form when not in use. This allows multiple length configurations from simple modular components rather than complex adjustable mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP1817979B1Fitting for a corner cupboard, in particular a kitchen corner cupboard
Publication Date: 2009.08.12 HETAL-WERKE FRANZ HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1817979B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1817979B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1817979B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A line of kitchen cabinets has a corner cupboard with turntable shelves mounted on a vertical (19) spindle (16). The turntable shelves are circular in planform with a right-angled cutout segment. The circular turntable shelf is attached to the spindle (16) by the root (27) of a right-angled bracket. The bracket tips bear lap-joint extensions (32) that are clamped to the bracket as required to fit the respective shelf diameter.