Hinged Modular Cabinet Frames for Adjustable Kitchen Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen furniture elements have fixed dimensions, making them inflexible and difficult to adapt to varying spatial conditions, limiting their usability and configuration.
Innovation Solution
A system of two structural elements connected via hinges that allow for adjustable angles, enabling flexible configuration and dimension changes, with features such as pivoting, folding, and adjustable feet, allowing for various shapes and orientations to accommodate different functional elements like doors, drawers, and shelves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed dimensions are used for furniture elements, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but adaptability to different spatial conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the frame elements movable relative to each other through hinges, allowing the furniture element to transition between different configurations (extended and retracted states). This enables the same structure to adapt to various spatial conditions while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the furniture element into multiple frame elements that can move independently relative to each other. By dividing the structure into separable segments connected by hinges, the system achieves both ease of manufacture (modular components) and adaptability (configurable arrangements).
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed configuration is used for structural elements, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility in configuration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between stability and flexibility by introducing hinges that allow controlled movement between frame elements. The structure maintains stability in each configured state while enabling transitions to different configurations, achieving both structural integrity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular parameter between frame elements through hinge rotation, allowing the structure to transform between different configurations. This parameter change enables flexible reconfiguration while maintaining structural stability through proper hinge design and frame connections.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a structural element with at least two frame elements and at least one hinge, said hinge enabling the frame elements to be positioned at different angles with respect to each other. Said frame elements stretch over a space, the shape thereof depending on the angle between the frame elements.