Modular Cabinet Assembly with Pivotable Boards for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cabinets are cumbersome for storage, transportation, and packaging due to their large size and complex assembly requirements, which involve significant space occupation and time-consuming assembly processes prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A modular cabinet assembly comprising sub-cabinets with pivotably connected back and side boards, removably attached shelf boards, and a connector system that allows for efficient folding and assembly, reducing space occupation and simplifying the assembly process through the use of clamps and hooks for secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cabinet is disassembled into component parts and stacked together, then the cabinet can be stored and transported more efficiently, but the occupied area remains large and carrying becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the disassembled cabinet components inside the cabinet itself. The back board, side boards, top board, and bottom board are stored within the cabinet's internal space, allowing the entire disassembled cabinet to fit within its own structure. This eliminates the need for external packaging and significantly reduces the occupied area during storage and transportation.
2Reliability
If the cabinet components are assembled and fixed one by one, then the cabinet can be properly constructed, but the assembly process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the back board with the side boards, top board, and bottom board into a partially constructed cabinet unit before delivery. The components are pre-positioned and secured with removable fasteners, so that upon arrival, the user only needs to perform the final assembly steps by removing simple caps or plugs, rather than assembling all components from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex assembly process by removing the need for traditional fasteners, screws, or tools. Instead, the design uses cap-like plugs that are simply removed or pulled out to release the components, transforming a multi-step assembly process into a single-action operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cabinet is manufactured in component parts for cost-effective storage and shipping, then manufacturing and shipping costs are reduced, but the assembly process becomes more complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the cabinet with self-locking mechanisms and self-aligning features. The components have built-in positioning structures that automatically align parts during assembly, and the cap-like fasteners self-lock into place without requiring tools or complex procedures. This maintains manufacturing efficiency while eliminating assembly complexity.
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 modular design significantly reduces the space required for disassembled cabinets, facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, and enhances the structural strength and safety of the cabinet, making it more convenient for carrying, storage, and transportation while minimizing assembly errors.
Implementation Method 1
The two side boards, the left back board and the right back board can rotate about the pivot shafts thereof to be folded during disassembly and folding
Implementation Method 2
At least one elastic pressing member extending downward from the connecting board is positioned above the positioning hole
Data Source
AI summary
A modular cabinet assembly has at least a first sub-cabinet and a second sub-cabinet. Each sub-cabinet includes a back board having at least two separate back board pieces that are pivotably connected to each other, a left side board pivotably connected to one of the at least two back board pieces, and a right side board pivotably connected to another of the at least two back board pieces. At least one shelf board having opposite ends is removably connected to the left side board and the right side board of either the first sub-cabinet or the second sub-cabinet. A first end board is connected to either an upper end of the first sub-cabinet or a lower end of the second sub-cabinet. A first connector removably connects the left side boards of the first and second sub-cabinets, and a second connector removably connects the right side boards of the first and second sub-cabinets.