Ergonomic storage unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ergonomic storage units with single movable hoists face limitations in depth and load capacity, making it difficult for users without elevating means to access contents, and the mechanism is prone to overhung loading.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that displaces retractable containers between stowed and ergonomic positions, distributing the weight laterally to support the container's volume on both sides, allowing balanced access via width and depth without depth limitations, using a combination of sliding profiles and a hoist with a counterweight for motorized displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single movable hoist is used on one side of the drawers, then the mechanism structure is simplified, but the admissible load is reduced due to overhung loading
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two separate containers, each supported by its own hoist mechanism. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across two independent support points, eliminating the overhung loading problem while maintaining structural simplicity. Each hoist only needs to support half the total load, increasing the admissible load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The containers are arranged side-by-side in the width direction rather than one behind the other. This dimensional change allows the hoist mechanism to support containers laterally, converting the overhung loading problem into a balanced lateral support configuration where load is distributed evenly across the mechanism width.
2Ease of operation
If the mechanism is located at the side of the drawer, then the user can access the drawers via their width, but the useful depth of the drawers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The access direction is changed from depth-based (front-to-back) to width-based (side-to-side). By positioning the hoist mechanism laterally and enabling side access, the full depth of the container structure can be utilized for storage while users access contents by pulling containers outward horizontally, eliminating depth limitations.
3Device complexity
If a single movable hoist is used, then the mechanism is simpler, but it cannot support large loads
Solution Approach 1:
The load support function is segmented into two independent hoist systems, each handling one container. This allows the total load capacity to be doubled while keeping each individual hoist mechanism relatively simple. The segmented approach enables parallel load support without requiring a single complex high-capacity mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Two independent hoist-container systems are merged into a single integrated storage unit structure. The combined system achieves high load capacity by aggregating the support capability of two parallel mechanisms, while each mechanism remains structurally simple and manageable.
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
Enables easy access to the entirety of the container's contents without depth or load limitations, balancing the load and preventing overhang, allowing users to access the contents via their sides and width, and supporting large quantities of items.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanism is configured in order to support the weight of said retractable container by distributing it either side of said mechanism in the width direction of said retractable container
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an ergonomic storage unit having at least one retractable container; and a mechanism configured to displace the at least one retractable container between two positions: a stowed position in which the retractable container is stowed in the storage unit; and an ergonomic position in which the retractable container is positioned in front of the storage unit and at a height which is different from that of the stowed position, in a manner such that the retractable container is more accessible as regards to height compared with the stowed position. The mechanism is configured to support the weight of the retractable container by distributing the weight on either side of the mechanism in the width direction of the retractable container, thereby establishing lateral access to the retractable container in the ergonomic position.