Elevating Storage Lift With Scissor Linkage Over Obstructed Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevating storage apparatus for vehicles are often complex, heavy, and expensive, and lack a simple and robust mechanism for safely and easily moving articles between stowed and accessible positions, especially in space-restricted fully enclosed vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pair of spaced apart compound slide assemblies with linkage and control means, including a handle or lever system that amplifies movement, energy storage, and damping to facilitate easy and controlled elevation and lowering of article support means, using scissor or pantograph mechanisms and adjustable limiters to maintain alignment and reduce effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robust drawer slides are used to support the withdrawn supporting base rigidly, then the supporting base can be held securely in its accessible position, but the drawer slides become heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic scissor linkage mechanism that automatically adjusts and locks into position during operation. The linkage transitions from a compact stowed configuration to an extended operational configuration, maintaining stability through geometric constraints rather than heavy fixed supports. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve reliable support without requiring overly robust static drawer slides.
2Force
If the supporting base is moved inward during raising, then greater clearance from obstacles is achieved, but the overall length of the storage apparatus increases when stowed
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor linkage mechanism is designed to nest compactly within the storage apparatus when in the stowed position. The crossed links fold together in a nested configuration that minimizes the overall length. When deployed, the same mechanism extends to provide the necessary clearance, effectively nesting the clearance-providing structure within the compact stowed form.
3Ease of operation
If a lever means is provided to control lowering and raising, then controlled movement is achieved, but the lever means becomes complex and difficult to position when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor linkage mechanism is designed to be self-controlling through its geometric properties. As the links are actuated, they automatically maintain proper alignment and locking through their crossed configuration. The mechanism serves itself by using the motion of one link to control the positioning of others, eliminating the need for complex external lever means with multiple adjustment points.
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
This solution provides a compact, efficient, and user-friendly elevating storage system that minimizes overall length, reduces effort required for operation, and ensures safe and controlled movement of articles between stowed and accessible positions, suitable for various vehicle types and applications.
Implementation Method 1
linkage means connecting the article support means to the slide assemblies which enable the article support means to be raised and lowered
Implementation Method 2
The compound slide assembly may be of any suitable type such as slide assemblies in which the intermediate slide supports float, operatively positioned by frictional engagement between the parts of the compound slide assembly
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides elevating storage apparatus (10) for storing an article or articles in an elevated position from which the article(s) cannot be vertically lowered because an obstacle obscures the space there beneath. To achieve this the article(s) which are supported on article support means (14) are moved outwardly with the article support means (14) supported by a pair of spaced apart slide assemblies (11, 12) for longitudinal movement between the stowed elevated position above the obscuring obstacle and a withdrawn elevated position forward of the obstacle. The article support means (14) is connected to the slide assemblies (11, 12) by links (52, 53) which enable the article support means to be raised and lowered between substantially vertically aligned withdrawn elevated position and the lower accessible position. Control means (60) is provided for selectively raising and lowering the article support means (14) relative to the slide assemblies (11, 12) and for moving the article support means to and from its stowed elevated position.