Lift storage system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage bed systems, such as Ottoman beds and storage beds with drawers, face limitations in accessibility, particularly in small spaces, and require significant user effort or physical flexibility, failing to provide effortless access to the full storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical access system with automated underbed self-levelling shelves that allow easy access to the full bed footprint space from one side, utilizing a gas-assisted mechanism to pivot and slide storage units, enabling 80% accessibility of the furniture's footprint without requiring additional floor space or extensive user movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional Ottoman bed storage is used, then storage capacity is provided, but accessibility is poor and requires large user movement range
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one through the gas-assisted mechanical linkage. The shelves move between stored and accessible positions automatically when the bed base is tilted, eliminating the need for users to physically reach into deep storage spaces while maintaining full accessibility to stored items
Solution Approach 2:
The gas-assisted mechanical linkage acts as an intermediary between the bed base tilting action and the shelf movement. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the user's small initial effort (tilting the bed) into the automatic movement of shelves to accessible positions, reducing the direct physical effort required by the user
2Ease of operation
If storage beds with drawers are used, then alternative access is provided, but floor space is required for drawer extension
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending drawers horizontally into floor space, this invention moves storage vertically by tilting the entire bed base. The shelves are accessed through vertical movement created by the tilted bed position, transforming the access dimension from horizontal (floor space) to vertical (bed height), thereby eliminating the need for surrounding floor space
3Stability of the object's composition
If external self-levelling shelving is used, then bed stability is maintained, but storage capability is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains bed stability in the normal horizontal position while enabling full storage access through dynamic tilting. The gas-assisted mechanical linkage ensures smooth, controlled movement during tilting, and the shelves automatically return to their original positions when the bed is returned to horizontal, maintaining both stability and full storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is segmented into multiple independent shelves that can move individually along their tracks. This segmentation allows each shelf to be accessed independently while maintaining the overall structural integrity and stability of the bed frame during the tilting operation
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 dual shelving system significantly improves storage accessibility, bringing contents closer to the user and providing ventilation, making it suitable for small spaces and enhancing usability for storing garments and other items.
Implementation Method 1
mechanically operated by the user with minimum effort via a gas assisted system incorporated into the bedframe
Data Source
AI summary
A combined storage system comprising: a first frame having a width, length and height which defines an internal volume space, and guide rails located along the lower width of the bedframe; a support frame fitting within the length and width of the first frame and being pivotally connected thereto, movable between a closed position wherein the support frame is parallel with the plane defined by the upper width and length of the first frame, and an open position wherein the support frame and said defined plane have an acute angle therebetween; a primary storage unit pivotally connected to the support frame and occupying a first position, within the internal volume when in the closed position; a secondary storage unit pivotally connected to the support frame and slidably engaged with the guide raids and occupying a second position within the internal volume when in the closed position; wherein when the support frame is pivoted from, the closed to the open position, the primary storage unit raises with the support frame and occupies a space between the support frame and the first frame, and the secondary storage unit slides along the, guide rails from the second position into the first position.