Counterweighted Lift-Up Storage Unit for Concealed Microwave Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Domestic and commercial spaces face challenges in optimizing storage due to limited space, requiring homeowners and users to choose between displaying products or concealing them, as existing solutions do not efficiently utilize vertical space.
Innovation Solution
A storage unit with a counterweight system and pulley mechanism that allows the storage unit to be raised and lowered seamlessly, blending into the surrounding surface, enabling concealed storage while maintaining easy access and accommodating various sizes and weights of items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If storage units are concealed within cupboards to save space, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit employs a dynamic lifting mechanism that allows the storage box to move vertically between concealed and accessible positions. The counterweight system enables smooth transitions, making the storage unit adaptable between hidden storage mode and easy access mode, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If more products are displayed on surfaces, then accessibility is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions storage from horizontal surface display to vertical space utilization. By lifting the storage unit vertically to an accessible position, it provides easy access to stored items without occupying horizontal surface area, thus improving space utilization while maintaining accessibility.
3Area of stationary object
If storage units are raised to utilize vertical space, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight system balances the storage unit's weight, enabling smooth vertical movement without requiring complex motors or power systems. This mechanical advantage simplifies the overall device complexity while achieving efficient vertical space utilization.
4Ease of operation
If counterweight systems are used to reduce manual effort, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight mechanism provides mechanical advantage to reduce the manual effort required to lift and lower the storage unit. By balancing the weight through a pulley system, it enables easy operation with minimal force while maintaining relatively simple mechanical components.
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 efficient use of vertical space by allowing storage units to be flush with the surrounding surface, minimizing manual effort for operation, and accommodating diverse items, while ensuring easy access and versatility in size and weight capacity.
Implementation Method 1
A storage unit with a counterweight system and pulley mechanism that allows the storage unit to be raised and lowered seamlessly
Implementation Method 2
A storage unit with a counterweight system and pulley mechanism that allows the storage unit to be raised and lowered seamlessly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A microwave oven (12) can be moved from a lowered storage position to a raised usable position. In the storage position the moving surface lid (14) is flat with the surrounding work surface (10) having been lowered by a manual force and held in place by a suitable catch or latching mechanism. The microwave oven can be raised by pushing the housing slightly downwards, thus releasing the housing from its anchored position. A counterweight (15) greater than the weight of the microwave oven is suspended by way of a wire and pulley system (Ia, Ib, Ic) that in turn powers the platform and displaces the lid, on which the microwave oven is located, upwardly.