Movable Kitchen Worktop for Wheelchair-Accessible Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standardized kitchen furniture is often inaccessible and difficult for physically disabled individuals, such as wheelchair users and people of short stature, due to its design which is typically suited for able-bodied individuals, limiting their ability to use and operate integrated hotplates effectively.
Innovation Solution
A kitchen furniture design with a work or functional surface that integrates at least one hotplate, allowing for horizontal and vertical movement, enabling the surface to be extended and lowered to accommodate users of varying heights and accessibility needs, facilitated by a holding and driving device with linear guides and support arms, allowing for manual or motor-driven operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If kitchen furniture is designed in standardized quantities for able-bodied individuals, then manufacturing cost and efficiency are improved, but accessibility and usability for physically disabled individuals deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The worktop is designed to be movable both horizontally (protruding beyond the furniture front) and vertically (adjustable height), transforming a static standardized structure into a dynamic adaptable one. This allows the worktop to be positioned within easy reach of wheelchair users or individuals of short stature while maintaining standardized manufacturing for the basic furniture unit.
2Ease of operation
If the worktop is made movable and extendable, then accessibility for disabled users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The worktop system is segmented into movable and stationary components. The movable worktop can be independently positioned horizontally and vertically, while the furniture structure remains standardized. This segmentation allows complexity to be localized only where needed for accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If the worktop is extended horizontally and lowered vertically, then accessibility is improved, but storage space may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The worktop's horizontal and vertical movability allows it to be extended only when needed for use, and retracted or lowered to maintain storage space when not in use. This dynamic positioning resolves the conflict between accessibility during operation and storage capacity during non-use.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a piece of furniture with a worktop and/or function panel, in which a stovetop is integrated. The piece of furniture is characterized in particular by the adaptability to the needs of wheelchair users and people of short stature, since movement, in particular horizontal and/or vertical movement, of the worktop and/or function panel is made possible.