Dual-Axis Laundry Chest Lid for Flexible Bin Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry chests do not optimize access to the bin based on the room layout, as the lid is typically articulated with a single edge, making it cumbersome to change the articulation when switching between width and length orientations.
Innovation Solution
A laundry chest design where the lid is hinged to rotate around a first axis, and the frame is articulated relative to the side wall around a second axis, allowing for optimized access in both orientations without requiring manual reconfiguration of the lid's articulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is articulated with a single edge of the bin, then the structure is simple, but access to the bin is not optimized when placed in different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The lid articulation system is made dynamic through two independent rotation axes: the first axis allows the lid to rotate relative to the frame, and the second axis allows the frame to rotate relative to the bin. This dynamic configuration enables the lid to adapt to different placement orientations (width or length) without requiring manual reconfiguration, thereby optimizing access while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a second dimension of rotation by introducing the frame as an intermediate element between the lid and the bin. Instead of a single-axis rotation, the system uses two perpendicular axes (first axis for lid-frame rotation, second axis for frame-bin rotation), creating a two-dimensional articulation space that accommodates both width and length orientations equally well.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lid articulation is fixed to a single edge, then the manufacturing is simple, but the adaptability to different room layouts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lid articulation system is designed with universal functionality to accommodate both width and length orientations. The frame acts as a universal intermediary that can rotate to align with either orientation, making the laundry bin adaptable to any room layout without requiring different configurations or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic two-axis rotation system allows the lid assembly to adapt its configuration based on the placement orientation. The first axis enables lid rotation relative to the frame, while the second axis enables frame rotation relative to the bin, creating a versatile system that automatically adapts to different room layouts without manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If the cover is articulated with the first or second flat side face to optimize access, then access can be optimized, but the user must separate and reassemble the cover, which is tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the frame with articulation capabilities on both the first and second axes. This preliminary design eliminates the need for users to manually separate and reassemble the cover when changing orientations, as the frame is already equipped to handle both width and length placements without any user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid articulation system serves itself by automatically adapting to different orientations through its two-axis rotation mechanism. The frame and lid assembly self-adjusts when placed in different orientations, eliminating the need for user intervention to reconfigure the articulation, thereby saving time and effort.
Data Source
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AI summary
The chest (1) has a lid (4) and a bin (2) provided with bottom (20) and a lateral wall (21). A frame (3) is positioned on an upper end (E), of the bin, opposite to the bottom. The frame is equipped with a handle (30), and includes four rectilinear branches (31, 32) that define an opening (35). The lid blocks the defined opening. The frame is rotatably articulated with the lateral wall of the bin around an axis (A3). The lid is rotatably articulated with the frame around another axis (A4), which is not parallel to the former axis.