Extendable Cupboard Storage with Single-Lever Parallel Pivoting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing built-in cabinet parts with storage compartments require complex and expensive assembly due to the need for rigid connecting elements and multiple pairs of pivoting levers, making them difficult to install and limiting space utilization in upper cabinets.

Innovation Solution

A simplified design using a rod-shaped stand with parallel plates and hollow profile pivoting levers, allowing for flexible attachment and adjustment, reduced number of pivoting levers, and integration of a spring and damping system for balanced operation, enabling easy installation and versatile storage compartment configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If two pairs of pivoting levers with rigid connecting elements are used to ensure parallel pivoting, then the stability and parallel movement of the built-in cabinet part is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparallel pivoting stabilityVSAvoidnumber of pivoting levers and connecting elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates one pair of pivoting levers from the traditional two-pair configuration. By using a single pair of pivoting levers (12, 13) combined with a rod-shaped stand (10), the invention achieves the same parallel pivoting function with reduced complexity, directly resolving the contradiction between stability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the function of the rod-shaped stand (10) with the support structure, integrating the mounting function into a single component. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining structural integrity and parallel movement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If bearings of pivoting levers are fastened on both sides of the upper cabinet, then the parallel pivoting function is ensured, but the assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparallel pivoting functionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the requirement for side wall connections by extracting the second pair of pivoting levers. The single pair of pivoting levers (12, 13) mounted on the rod-shaped stand (10) achieves parallel movement without needing bearings fastened on both sides of the cabinet, significantly simplifying assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The rod-shaped stand (10) serves multiple functions: it acts as a support structure, a mounting platform for the pivoting levers, and a connection element between the cabinet floor and top cover. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate side wall mounting structures

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

3Strength

If rigid connecting elements are used to connect side walls, then the torsion resistance and structural stability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorsion resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for rigid connecting elements by removing the side wall connection requirement. The single pair of pivoting levers (12, 13) with their pivot bearings (14, 15) provides sufficient structural stability without requiring additional rigid connectors, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivoting levers (12, 13) are formed from hollow profiles, which provide high torsion resistance relative to their weight and material usage. The hollow profile geometry optimizes strength-to-cost ratio while maintaining the required structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 a stable, easy-to-install, and flexible built-in cabinet component that optimizes space usage in upper cabinets, allowing for various storage compartment designs and reduced assembly complexity, while ensuring comfortable access and balanced operation.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element is attached, which is articulated on the one hand in a pivot point on one of the two pivoted levers and on the other hand is held on the rod-shaped stand. As a result, the weight of the built-in cabinet part can be balanced with the storage compartments and utensils arranged thereon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

one end of a damping element is articulated on the rod-shaped stand, the other end of which is articulated on one of the two pivoting levers. This prevents the built-in cabinet part from hitting the extended or retracted position at too high a speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP1880636B1Extendable cupboard storage element
Publication Date: 2010.04.07 PEKA METALL
  • EP1880636B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1880636B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1880636B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The installing part has a lockable partition (8), which is inserted in a wall unit (1) and moved from an upper position. The upper position is driven into the wall unit in an extended position. The parallely arranged oscillating arms are hinged at the installing part on one hand and at the wall unit, on other hand. A primary oscillating arm (12) and a secondary oscillating arm (13), are supported in a primary hinge bearing (14), and pivoted at the support element (9), which is connected with a support part (16) in a pivoting manner by a secondary hinge bearing.