Functional Wall Module With Concealed Movable Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular walls do not provide movable shelves or cabinets without requiring disassembly and reassembly, and often feature unsightly mechanisms that interfere with positioning, limiting reconfiguration and reuse.
Innovation Solution
A functional wall module with movable platforms and a positioning mechanism that allows for selective repositioning of objects within a space, incorporating vertical and horizontal supports, brackets, and actuators to move platforms vertically or horizontally, enabling easy reconfiguration without visible mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional modular walls use fixed shelves or cabinets, then structural simplicity is maintained, but reconfiguration capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transforming fixed shelves and cabinets into movable platforms that can be repositioned along vertical supports. The positioning mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of object locations without requiring disassembly of wall modules, directly resolving the contradiction between reconfiguration capability and mechanism complexity by providing smooth, continuous movement rather than discrete repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the positioning mechanism from the visible wall surface and relocates it within the wall structure itself. The brackets and actuators are concealed behind wall panels, allowing the mechanism to operate internally while maintaining a clean, aesthetic exterior. This extraction resolves the contradiction by hiding complexity within the wall while preserving external simplicity
2Ease of operation
If automated positioning mechanisms are added to modular walls, then repositioning capability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Nested doll principle by nesting the positioning mechanism within the wall structure. The brackets slide within vertical supports that are integrated into the wall, and actuators are concealed behind wall panels. This nesting allows the mechanism to be contained within the wall's internal volume, providing automated repositioning capability while maintaining a clean, uninterrupted wall surface from the exterior
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wall panels as intermediaries that conceal the positioning mechanism. The panels serve as a mediator between the internal mechanism and the external environment, allowing the mechanism to operate behind the scenes while presenting a clean, aesthetic surface to users. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by decoupling the functional mechanism from the visual appearance
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable platforms are implemented in modular walls, then space flexibility is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Segmentation principle by dividing the wall into modular components: vertical supports, horizontal supports, brackets, movable platforms, and positioning mechanisms. Each component can be manufactured independently and assembled in a standardized sequence. The brackets are pre-configured to engage with vertical supports, and platforms are designed to work with specific bracket types, reducing installation complexity through modular segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing wall modules with standardized vertical and horizontal supports that can accommodate multiple types of brackets and platforms. The same support structure can hold shelves, cabinets, or other objects, and the positioning mechanism can serve multiple platforms simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces installation complexity by using standardized components rather than custom-designed elements for each application
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for positioning and/or selectively repositioning one or more objects within an individual space. More specifically, a functional wall module can at least partially define the individual space. Furthermore, the functional wall module can include a single or multiple movable platforms that may support or secure one or more objects. As such, movement of the movable platform(s) may position and/or selectively reposition such objects within the individual space.