Method for storing and retrieving with a shoe gripping apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe storage solutions fail to provide secure, easy, and sterile storage and retrieval of shoes, especially for individuals with disabilities, and often require manual effort and bending, which can be painful or stressful.
Innovation Solution
A shoe organizer unit with a cabinet and shelves that utilize retractable pillars and linear actuators to assist in shoe removal and storage, incorporating a keypad for identification and automated retrieval, and ultraviolet lighting for sterilization, designed to be accessible without bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual shoe storage and retrieval is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates for individuals with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable pillars automatically engage with shoes when placed on the shelf, gripping them without manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the shoe's own weight and placement action to trigger the gripping mechanism, eliminating the need for complex manual operation while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The pillars transition from a static fixed position to a dynamic retractable mechanism that moves in response to shoe placement. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to different shoe types and sizes while maintaining a simple overall structure that doesn't require complex control systems
2Ease of operation
If bending is required to reach shoes on the ground, then storage space utilization is improved, but physical strain increases for seniors and individuals with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from ground-level storage to vertical wall-mounted storage, utilizing the vertical dimension of the wall space. This allows shoes to be stored at an ergonomically appropriate height that eliminates bending while effectively using previously underutilized vertical storage space
3Reliability
If shoes are stored in a public accessible area, then ease of retrieval is improved, but security and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system divides the wall space into multiple discrete shelf segments, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows for selective access to individual shoe pairs while maintaining security for others, and enables the UV sterilization feature to target specific shelves without requiring full system access
4Productivity
If automated retrieval systems are implemented, then productivity of shoe storage and retrieval is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable pillars automatically grip shoes upon placement and maintain that grip until retrieval, eliminating the need for complex automated gripping mechanisms. The system uses passive mechanical engagement rather than active automated control, achieving fast operation with minimal complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential automated function (automatic gripping via retractable pillars) while leaving other operations (shoe placement, retrieval initiation) manual. This selective automation achieves productivity improvement without implementing a fully complex automated system
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 and secure storage and retrieval of shoes, reduces physical strain, and ensures cleanliness through sterilization, making it suitable for public and private use, particularly beneficial for individuals with disabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a shoe sterilizing apparatus including a shoe receiving area, a shoe storing shelf configured to move to and from the shoe receiving area, and an ultraviolet lamp configured to sterilize a shoe placed in the shoe storing shelf
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe organizer unit, a method of using a shoe organizer unit, and a method for storing shoes in a plurality of shoe storing shelves of a shoe organizer unit are described. The shoe organizer unit includes a plurality of shoe storing shelves adapted to store shoes therein. A plurality of linear actuators moves the plurality of shoe storing shelves in a path within a cabinet. A controller manages operation of the linear actuators to move the shoes along the path. Transparent panels secure the shoes within the cabinet. Secure storage and retrieval of the shoes is controlled by electronics including a keypad, a push button and a shoe shelf identification code card printer. The shoe organizer unit provides for sterilization of the shoes stored and secure storing and retrieval of the shoes.