Corner Cabinet Shelf Fitting With Independent Self-Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corner cupboard fittings require large closing movements, which can cause objects on shelves to fall and hinder subsequent opening, especially when multiple shelves are stacked, as they must be moved together, limiting accessibility and complicating the self-closing mechanism installation and retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
A retraction device supported solely by a link or shelf with a coaxial joint axis, interacting with a driver on the tray or link, allows for a simple and retrofittable self-closing mechanism that uses a pivoting pawl and guide slot to control the shelf's movement, enabling independent operation of each shelf and automatic door closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple shelves are stacked one above another in a corner cupboard, then the storage capacity is improved, but the lower shelf becomes inaccessible from above when the upper shelf is in the outer position
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting system segments the control of multiple shelves by providing individual links for each shelf. This allows each shelf to be independently manipulated and repositioned, so that when one shelf is in the outer position, another shelf can be accessed from above without being blocked by the stacked configuration.
2Ease of operation
If the link controls a predetermined path of movement to position the shelf largely in front of the door opening, then the shelf accessibility is improved, but a large closing movement is required which can cause objects to fall and hinder subsequent opening
Solution Approach 1:
The counteracting force mechanism applies a preliminary opposing force during the closing movement to control and dampen the shelf's motion. This prevents excessive closing speed and stabilizes objects on the shelf, avoiding the harmful effect of objects falling while maintaining the beneficial large closing movement for accessibility.
3Extent of automation
If a self-closing mechanism with an angled lever and spring is installed, then the automatic closing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and it cannot be retrofitted to existing fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction device utilizes the existing link mechanism and shelf weight to generate the closing force automatically. The system serves itself by converting the shelf's own movement and gravitational force into the closing action, eliminating the need for external springs, levers, or complex mechanical assemblies while achieving automatic closing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls the shelf's predetermined path of movement for accessibility, provides structural support, and simultaneously generates the closing force through its articulated motion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated closing mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity and enabling easy retrofittability.
4Ease of manufacture
If the retraction device is supported solely on the link or shelf with a coaxial joint axis, then the ease of manufacture and retrofitting is improved, but the retraction force may be insufficient compared to complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction device employs a movable actuating device that dynamically adjusts during operation. The actuating mechanism changes its configuration and leverage ratio throughout the closing motion, providing sufficient retraction force when needed while maintaining a simple coaxial joint axis structure for ease of manufacture and retrofittability.
Data Source
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Figure 7
AI summary
The invention relates to a fitting for corner cabinets (1), in particular for kitchen corner cabinets, with an essentially rectangular interior (2) from the top view, which is accessible from the front side via a corner cabinet door (3). Said fitting consists of at least one support which can be supported in a stationary manner in the interior (2) of the corner cabinet, for maintaining at least one single-piece shelf (5) having a semi-circular base shape. Said support comprises at least one guide member (6) which supports the shelf (5) in an articulated manner and moves the shelf (5) on a predetermined movement path from an inner position in the interior (2) of the corner cabinet (1) to an outer position essentially in front of a door opening of corner cabinet (1), which is pivotably connected and in an articulated manner by means of a guide member joint axis to the lower side of the shelf (5) and by means of a support fitting, to a corner cabinet part, in particular a side wall part (4). A pull-in device (11) is associated with the shelf (5) and the guide element (6), for automatically pulling-in the shelf (5) and the guide element (6) into the interior (2) of the corner cabinet (1) from a determinable intermediate pivotable position of the shelf (5) during a closing movement. The aim of the invention is to produce a fitting which enables the shelf to be automatically pulled-in together with the guide element from a predeterminable intermediate position in a simple manner. Said pull-in device (11) is supported by itself on the guide element (6) and has a joint axis which is coaxial to the guide element joint axis on the lower side of the shelf (5), and comprises an adjusting device (15) which interacts with a drive device (10) provided on the shelf and can be moved in relation to the guide element (6).