Multi-level cabinet storage system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cabinet storage systems face challenges in maintaining stability and minimizing vibration and twisting, especially when loaded with varying weights and sizes of items, during the sliding motion between the closed and open positions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level cabinet storage system featuring vertically spaced horizontal shelves and slide members, coupled with a keeper bracket and an external frame, which provides structural support and maintains the slide members in place without contiguous contact with the vertical members, minimizing torsional movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional cabinet storage systems use simple slide members without external frame support, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and vibration resistance during sliding motion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the slide members with an external frame structure to form an integrated support system. The slide members are mounted to the external frame rather than directly to the cabinet, merging the sliding function with the structural support function to improve stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The external frame acts as an intermediary between the slide members and the cabinet structure. This intermediate framework provides additional support points and distributes loads more effectively, reducing vibration and twisting during the sliding motion of drawers and shelves.
2Strength
If slide members make contiguous contact with vertical members for support, then the structural support is improved, but the torsional movement and twisting during sliding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keeper bracket serves as an intermediary component between the slide member and the vertical member. It provides structural support while allowing the slide member to remain non-contiguous with the vertical member, thereby preventing direct contact that would cause twisting and torsional movement during sliding.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into distinct components: the slide member, the keeper bracket, and the vertical member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the keeper bracket providing support without creating a rigid continuous connection that would transmit torsional forces.
3Reliability
If multiple slide members are used at different vertical levels, then the structural support and stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, mounts multiple slide members at different vertical levels, and acts as a rigid backbone for the entire cabinet storage system. This multi-functionality improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple slide members are merged into a unified mounting system on the external frame. Rather than having separate support structures for each slide member, they are all integrated onto the same external frame, which distributes the complexity across a single robust structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-level cabinet storage system includes a multi-level storage container that includes a number of shelves, each with horizontal planar surfaces, coupled between the vertical opposing members. The horizontal planar surfaces of respective shelves may be aligned vertically in parallel planes. The vertical opposing members may include a rear vertical member and a front vertical member. The multi-level cabinet storage system also includes a first slide member coupled with a base of the multi-level storage container and a second slide member coupled at a first end with the rear vertical member and extending parallel with, and along, a horizontal planar surface of an upper shelf included among the shelves. The multi-level cabinet storage system also includes an external frame formed as a contiguous rigid structure coupled with the first slide member and the second slide member.