Expendable service surface device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Display cases often cannot accommodate customers with mobility issues or below average height, as standard counters are too high, leading to inefficient space utilization and accessibility problems.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable service surface system with a gearing mechanism and support arms that can move a tray from a high default position to a lower, extended position, allowing users to access items while maintaining a horizontal surface parallel to the ground, enabling comfortable reach for all customers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display case top surface is lowered to accommodate customers in wheelchairs or with mobility issues, then accessibility is improved, but the display volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a height-adjustable tray mechanism that can dynamically change position between a raised configuration (providing full display volume) and a lowered configuration (improving accessibility). The tray is supported by arms that can rotate between different angular positions, allowing the display surface to be adjusted to accommodate customers in wheelchairs or with mobility issues while maintaining adequate display space when in the raised position.
2Ease of operation
If a height-adjustable tray mechanism is added, then accessibility for customers in wheelchairs is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray mechanism is designed to be manually operable by customers themselves. The support arms are configured to rotate along their ranges of motion when force is applied to the trays, allowing customers to lower or raise the trays to accessible heights without requiring external assistance or complex motorized systems.
3Ease of operation
If the tray is moved along a range of motion to a lower position, then accessibility is improved, but maintaining horizontal orientation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are configured with specific geometric relationships and rotation axes that maintain the trays in a horizontal orientation throughout their range of motion. The arms rotate about axes positioned and oriented such that gravity and the arm mechanics work together to keep the tray surfaces parallel to the ground at all positions, ensuring stability and ease of use regardless of tray height.
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
The system provides accessible product display and storage for customers of varying heights without reducing the display case's volume, enhancing usability and space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A gearing mechanism is mounted to the side panel. The gearing mechanism includes a set of gears and an operating mechanism associated with the gearing mechanism.
Implementation Method 2
A top surface of the tray is configured to support a set of items at least partially in contact with the top surface. The tray moves along the range of motion from a first position at a first height near the top panel of the display case to a second position at a second height associated with a stop point in front of the front panel.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples provide a height adjustable tray including a service surface for moving one or more items from a first height near the top of a display case down to a lower height within reach of a user in a seated position or otherwise unable to reach a top surface of the display case. The tray is connected to a set of one or more support arms. A gearing mechanism moves the set of support arms along a range of motion to lower the tray from the first height near the top of the display case to a position in front of the display case at a second height. The tray remains in a horizontal orientation substantially parallel to the floor or ground surface as the tray moves through the range of motion. An operating mechanism controls movement of the tray along the range of motion.