Foldable Cabinet Step Linkage for Auto Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable steps require precise installation and adjustable leg lengths to fit different cabinet heights, and they do not automatically position legs in full contact with the floor while maintaining horizontal steps.
Innovation Solution
A foldable step design featuring pivotally and slidably coupled structural supports, including upper and lower cross members, offset members, and angled support members, which automatically adjust to fit varying cabinet heights without requiring leg length adjustments, and includes notches for alignment and folding, allowing for easy installation and horizontal step maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable feet with threaded screws are used to fit different cabinet heights, then the foldable step can adapt to various cabinet heights, but the device complexity and ease of installation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support legs are made dynamically adjustable through a telescopic mechanism with pins and slots, allowing the leg length to change based on cabinet height without requiring complex threaded screws or adjustable feet. The legs can be extended or retracted smoothly to match different cabinet heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg length parameter is made variable through the telescopic mechanism, allowing the support legs to automatically adjust their length to fit different cabinet heights. This eliminates the need for fixed-length legs or complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If precise installation is required to ensure legs contact the floor and maintain horizontal steps, then the foldable step functions correctly, but the ease of installation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable step structure is designed to self-adjust and self-position during deployment. As the legs extend and the steps unfold, the mechanical linkage automatically ensures that legs contact the floor and steps remain horizontal, eliminating the need for precise manual installation adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage and pivot points provide inherent feedback that guides the support legs and steps into their correct positions. The geometry of the linkage ensures that when the legs are fully extended, the steps automatically align horizontally and the legs contact the floor at the correct angles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the foldable step is designed with multiple support members and pivot points to automatically adjust height, then the adaptability to different cabinet heights is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support legs are segmented into telescopic sections that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the legs to adjust to different lengths while using simple pin-and-slot connections rather than complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot points and linkage elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable height adjustment, guide the folding motion, and ensure proper positioning of the steps. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to at least a foldable step mounted within a cabinet or cupboard of varying heights and having a minimal folded profile. The foldable step has a pair of cross members secured in a horizontal orientation to the cupboard. The cross members are coupled to a pair of cupboard support members. The cupboard support members are rotatably coupled to two offset members that rotate vertical support members to reach the floor. The vertical support members hold a plurality of steps using other support members. The entire linkage structure pivotally or slidably folds into a minimal profile.