Drawer-Mounted Swing-Out Shelf Assembly for Compact Dental Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental operatory spaces face challenges in efficiently storing equipment and supplies due to limited footprint, requiring solutions that optimize storage while ensuring easy access and minimizing interference with equipment and personnel movement.
Innovation Solution
A shelf assembly with a drawer and arm system that can pivot and extend, featuring pre-defined mounting locations, detents for stable positions, and a magnetic back to secure the shelf in storage, allowing for symmetrical and adjustable storage configurations within a cabinet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If equipment and supplies are stored in traditional cabinets, then storage capacity is provided, but access efficiency and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic storage system where the shelf and arm assembly can pivot between stored and deployed positions. The arm pivots at a first pivot connection allowing the shelf to swing from a horizontal stored position to a deployed working position, while the arm itself pivots at a second pivot connection to adjust its angle. This dynamic mechanism enables quick access to equipment without requiring complex manual retrieval from traditional cabinets.
2Volume of moving object
If storage space is maximized in limited footprint, then storage capacity increases, but access to items becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by allowing the shelf assembly to pivot through vertical and horizontal arcs. The shelf transitions from a horizontal stored position within the cabinet footprint to a deployed position that extends outward and upward, utilizing vertical clearance space. This dimensional transformation enables access to items stored in a compact footprint without requiring deep cabinet penetration or complex stacking mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the shelf assembly is made movable and extendable, then access efficiency improves, but structural stability and load-bearing capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates detent mechanisms at predetermined positions along the arm's pivot path. These detents engage with corresponding features on the arm to lock the shelf assembly in stable positions during deployment and retraction. This preliminary positioning system ensures that the movable shelf maintains structural stability when bearing loads, preventing unintended movement while preserving access efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mounting locations are provided for the arm, then adaptability and configuration options increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting system into discrete, pre-defined mounting locations on the drawer and corresponding detent positions on the arm. Each mounting location is a distinct, standardized feature that can accommodate the arm at specific angles and positions. This segmentation approach provides multiple configuration options for adapting the shelf to different equipment sizes and access requirements while maintaining relatively simple construction through standardized mounting features rather than continuous adjustment mechanisms.
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 shelf assembly enhances storage efficiency by providing easy access to dental trays and supplies, minimizing interference and ensuring robust performance with reduced deflection and improved load distribution, while maintaining a compact footprint.
Implementation Method 1
The back can comprise at least one magnet positioned to attract and hold the shelf member when the shelf member is in a storage position.
Data Source
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AI summary
A shelf assembly comprises a shelf, an arm having a distal end and a proximal end, a first pivot connection between the shelf and the distal end of the arm, and a second pivot connection between the proximal end of the arm and a base. The base comprises a drawer movable in translation between at least a storage position and an operating position. A cabinet for a swing-out shelf is also described.