Linkage-Based Shelving System for Accessible Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wall-mounted shelving systems can be difficult for shorter individuals to access, particularly the upper portions, as they are suspended high up along a wall.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system with a linkage assembly that transitions between an upper and lower configuration, using actuators and a multi-bar linkage mechanism to pivotally connect the interior unit to the frame, allowing easy access by enabling the interior unit to be lowered and horizontally offset from the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wall cabinet is mounted relatively high up along a wall to provide usable space underneath, then the space utilization is improved, but the accessibility to the interior of the cabinet becomes difficult for shorter persons
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet interior unit is made dynamically movable between an upper stored position and a lower accessible position through a linkage assembly with arms and linkages that enable controlled lowering and raising, allowing shorter persons to easily access contents while maintaining space optimization when raised
Solution Approach 2:
A linkage assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cabinet interior unit and the wall mounting, using arms connected to the side panels and linkages connected to the interior unit to mediate the movement and positioning of the cabinet contents, enabling easy access without compromising structural integrity
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
Facilitates easy access to the interior of wall-mounted cabinets by shorter individuals, ensuring that the upper portions can be reached without straining, enhancing usability and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The linkage assemblies comprise a bracket attached to the frame, with first and second arms pivotally connected to the bracket. The first and second arms are pivotally connected to a multi-bar linkage that is in turn connected to the interior unit.
Implementation Method 2
The linkage assemblies comprise a bracket attached to the frame, with first and second arms pivotally connected to the bracket. The actuator arm is pivotally connected to one of the first and second bracket arms. Movement of the actuator arm with respect to the actuator body causes movement of the interior unit with respect to the frame
Implementation Method 3
The actuator comprises an actuator body and an actuator arm configured to move longitudinally with respect to the actuator body. One or more actuators transition the shelving system from an upper configuration to a lower configuration, and vice versa.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelving system includes an outer frame and an interior unit. The interior unit is connected to the frame using one or more linkage assemblies. The linkage assemblies include a bracket attached to the frame, with first and second arms pivotally connected to the bracket. The first and second arms are pivotally connected to a multi-bar linkage that is in turn connected to the interior unit. A guide arm is pivotally connected to the multi-bar linkage and is also able to travel within a curved opening on the bracket. One or more actuators transition the shelving system from an upper configuration to a lower configuration, and vice versa. In the upper configuration, the interior unit is substantially within the frame, while in the lower configuration, the interior unit is substantially away from and lowered from the frame.