Easy access shelving assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional small parts drawer cabinets are difficult to organize, prone to overcrowding, bulky, expensive, and hard to move, especially when full, making it challenging to access small items efficiently without taking up excessive space.
Innovation Solution
A multiple tray assembly with rotatable trays attached to a mounting portion under a countertop or workbench via an axle, allowing easy access and movement of items without requiring significant space or effort, featuring protrusions for finger-based rotation and a robust design to support weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional drawer cabinets are used to store small items, then storage capacity is provided, but the cabinet becomes bulky and takes up excessive space on workbench or floor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal drawer-based storage to vertical rotation-based storage under the workbench. Multiple trays are stacked vertically and rotated together, utilizing the vertical dimension to maximize storage capacity while minimizing horizontal space occupation. The rotary mechanism allows access to all trays without requiring the cabinet to extend horizontally across the workbench.
2Strength
If conventional drawer cabinets are made of high-quality materials like metal or wood, then durability and strength are improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metal or wood to plastic, which maintains sufficient structural strength for storing small items while dramatically reducing manufacturing cost. The plastic construction achieves the necessary durability through appropriate material selection and design, eliminating the need for expensive materials without sacrificing functional performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional drawer cabinets include features like built-in dividers or locks, then organizational capability and security are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into multiple individual trays that can be independently organized. Each tray serves as a separate organizational unit, allowing users to customize the content of each tray according to their needs. This segmentation provides adaptability and organizational capability without requiring complex built-in dividers or locking mechanisms, as each tray can be freely configured and accessed.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional drawer cabinets are filled with small items, then storage capacity is maximized, but the cabinet becomes difficult to move around the workspace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotary mechanism that allows the entire stack of trays to rotate smoothly on a vertical axis. This dynamic feature enables users to access any tray by simply rotating the assembly, eliminating the need to move the entire cabinet. The rotary design maintains full storage capacity while providing ease of operation, as the cabinet remains stationary but functional through rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methods are provided for a multiple tray assembly that provides easy access to various small parts or ingredients. The multiple tray assembly comprises one or more tray assemblies, a mounting portion, and an axle coupling the tray assemblies with the mounting portion. The mounting portion is configured to be attached to an underside of a countertop or workbench. Each tray assembly holds a tray and is rotatable relative to the mounting portion. Protrusions disposed around a circumference of each tray assembly facilitate using fingers to move the tray assemblies with respect to the mounting portion. The axle has a length for coupling one or more tray assemblies with the mounting portion, and the diameter of the axle allows for rotation of the tray assemblies. During use, the tray assemblies can be quickly and easily rotated out from under the countertop or workbench to access stored items.