Detachable Counter Extension With Quick-Release Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Limited counter space in small environments such as apartments, mobile homes, and medical offices poses a challenge, particularly for accessibility needs of the disabled and elderly, as existing solutions fail to provide additional space efficiently and affordably.

Innovation Solution

A portable detachable counter extension system with a flat surface and adjustable extension arms featuring quick release connector mechanisms and industrial strength adhesive for easy mounting on existing surfaces, providing reversible attachment and detachment for added counter space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a portable detachable counter extension system with quick release connectors is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counter extension system is divided into separate modular components: a mounting strip with adhesive backing, extension arms with terminal ends, and a flat surface portion. These segments can be independently manufactured, assembled, and installed, allowing for simplified installation procedures while managing overall device complexity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates quick release connector mechanisms that enable dynamic assembly and disassembly of the extension arms to the flat surface portion. This dynamic connection system allows users to easily install and remove the counter extension without permanent fixation, improving ease of operation while the standardized connector design helps manage device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If industrial strength adhesive is used for mounting, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting strengthVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting strip is pre-manufactured with industrial strength adhesive already applied to its underside, protected by peel-off tape. This preliminary action of pre-applying the adhesive during manufacturing allows for reliable mounting strength while simplifying the installation process for end users, as they only need to remove the protective tape and press the mounting strip onto the surface without dealing with adhesive application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If extension arms with terminal ends are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extension arms are designed with terminal ends that feature universal quick release connector mechanisms, allowing the same component design to work with different flat surface portions and mounting configurations. This universality provides adaptability for various installation scenarios and user needs while avoiding the complexity of designing and manufacturing multiple specialized components.

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

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 system effectively increases counter space where needed, enhancing accessibility and usability in limited areas while being easy to install and remove, thus addressing the space constraints and accessibility issues.

Implementation Method 1

at least 2 anchor portions, which also may be components of a single mounting strip with industrial strength adhesive on its underside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10021967B2Device and method for extending a countertop
Publication Date: 2018.07.17 GOLDMAN PAM
  • US10021967B2 patent drawing
  • US10021967B2 patent drawing
  • US10021967B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A portable detachable counter extension system uniquely mounts on top of an already existing surface including but not limited to a counter, bookshelf, radiator cover, bathroom vanity or any other suitable existing suitable surface.