Corner Cupboard Shelf Fitting for Narrow-Opening Pull-Out Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corner cupboard fittings face challenges with high space requirements and limited accessibility, particularly when trying to accommodate shelves at a distance from the bottom or multiple shelves stacked vertically, due to issues with support mechanisms and movement coordination.
Innovation Solution
A fitting with a support bearing that includes a linear guide for one support arm, allowing it to be pulled out linearly, which extends laterally from the shelf, enabling the shelf to be pivoted and linearly moved through a narrow access opening without colliding, and allowing for independent or coupled movement of multiple shelves, with a self-closing mechanism and support rollers to manage leverage forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shelf is extended further out of the corner cabinet using a pull-out mechanism, then accessibility of the rearmost parts of the shelf is improved, but the space required next to the side wall increases and another cabinet may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is divided into two separate support arms instead of a single extended support. Each support arm is independently mounted - one on the support column and the other on the side wall - allowing the shelf to be supported without extending far into the side wall space while maintaining accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from linear extension along the pull-out direction to a two-dimensional triangular arrangement with support arms mounted at different locations. This dimensional change allows the shelf to be supported efficiently without requiring excessive linear extension space next to the side wall
2Ease of operation
If a J-shaped guide is used to allow the shelf to pivot and move linearly, then the shelf can pass through narrow access openings, but the fitting is not suitable for shelves arranged at a distance above the floor without an intermediate floor
Solution Approach 1:
The movement guidance is segmented into two independent support arms with pivot bearings at each end. This segmentation replaces the continuous J-shaped guide, allowing each support arm to independently handle pivoting and linear movement, thereby enabling adaptation to shelves at various heights without requiring an intermediate floor
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms are designed to be dynamically adjustable through pivot bearings, allowing the shelf to transition smoothly between pivoting movement and linear movement. This dynamic capability enables the same support structure to accommodate shelves at different heights and positions within the corner cabinet
3Ease of manufacture
If two links are used to guide the shelf into position in front of the access opening, then the shelf can be supported exclusively on the support column and side wall, but the shelf protrudes far into the space next to the side wall
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the support mechanism extend far into the side wall space to achieve independent support, the support arms are mounted at strategic locations - one on the support column and the other on the side wall - creating a triangular support structure. This inverted approach achieves independent support while minimizing protrusion into the side wall space
Data Source
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AI summary
The fitting (2) has an access opening (9) bordering a side wall (7) and providing access to an interior (11) of a corner cupboard only over a part of width. Two supporting arms (15, 16) are mounted at two mutually spaced points (19, 24) on an underside of a shelf (3) to pivot about vertical axes. A support bearing (17) displaceably supports the arm (15), and a pivot bearing (26) defines a vertical pivoting axis for the other arm (16). The support bearing has a linear guide (18) which defines a horizontal pull-out direction for the arm (15).