Corner Cabinet Shelf Guides With Rotating Support Column Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for moving and supporting elements in corner furniture units, such as kitchen or laboratory modular units, face challenges in accessibility due to complex assembly requirements and limited internal space utilization, particularly in designs that require extensive side walls and costly configurations to achieve full accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a support column with a vertical rotation axis and guides that allow independent or grouped movement of resting and containment elements from an internal to an external position, featuring a simplified assembly mechanism and adjustable height and position, enabling efficient use of internal space without the need for side walls, using a combination of rotating guides and a tie rod system for precise movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If shelves are arranged in a semi-circular shape and rotated around a vertical axis, then accessibility to internal parts is improved, but the complexity of the device increases and assembly becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into independent modular components: a support column with rotation axis, separate shelf units with integrated guides, and independent arms. Each shelf can be assembled and installed separately, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining accessibility functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of rotating the entire shelf assembly around a central axis as in prior art, the invention inverts the approach by using a support column with guides that allow the shelf to move along a predetermined path, simplifying the mechanical structure while achieving the same accessibility effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If multiple separate shelves are used to improve accessibility, then accessibility is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support column with vertical rotation axis serves multiple functions: it supports the shelf, provides the rotation mechanism, and incorporates guides for movement control. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the support structure, rotation mechanism, and guidance system into a single integrated support column assembly. The guides are integrated into the column rather than being separate components, reducing part count and manufacturing complexity while achieving full shelf accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid arms connected to side walls are used for shelf movement, then shelf movement is guided, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement guidanceVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces rigid fixed arms with dynamic guides that allow controlled movement along a rotation path. The guides enable the shelf to move freely along the predetermined arc while maintaining stability, reducing assembly complexity compared to rigid connected arms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the guidance function from the side wall structure and concentrates it in the support column with integrated guides. This eliminates the need for separate arm structures connected to side walls, simplifying assembly while maintaining movement guidance stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Stability of the object's composition

If extensive side walls are used to support the movement mechanism, then structural stability is improved, but internal space utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinternal space
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention moves the support mechanism from the horizontal plane (side walls) to the vertical dimension by using a support column with a vertical rotation axis. This vertical orientation provides structural stability while minimizing horizontal space occupation, maximizing internal storage volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The support column is positioned locally at the corner position where it is most needed for structural support, rather than requiring extensive side walls throughout. This localized support provides adequate stability while preserving maximum internal space for storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 improved accessibility and efficient use of internal space in corner units, simplifies the manufacturing process, and allows for flexible adjustment and use in various furniture configurations, including those without side walls, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a support column (8) fixed by fixing means (9) inside said furniture unit (3), said support column (8) being equipped with a rotation axis (11) which is substantially vertical

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

guides (13, 18) which are connected to said support column (8) and to said resting and containment element (2) and which allow the movement of said resting and containment element (2) from an internal position (F) to an external position (G)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGuidance:

Data Source

PatentEP2174568B1Device for the movement and support of elements of a furniture unit
Publication Date: 2014.04.09 VIBO SPA
  • EP2174568B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2174568B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2174568B1 patent drawingFigure 5~10

AI summary

A device for the movement and support (1) of resting and containment elements (2), e.g. baskets, shelves, et cetera, of a furniture unit (3), with a corner that is not directly accessible (7) comprises a guide mechanism (13, 18) fixed in a rotating manner to a support column (8) and suitable for moving the resting and containment elements (2) from a picking up area, in which said elements (2) protrude beyond the plane (V) of the opening (6) determined by the door (5) of the furniture unit (3), to a resting area, in which said elements (2) are in the corner not directly accessible (7) of the corner unit (3).