Overhead storage unit with pivoting storage containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In urban residential areas, the high cost of unit floor space per square foot leads to the construction of smaller living units, making it difficult to incorporate features and accessories typically found in larger spaces, as there is limited available space for storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
An overhead storage unit with a guide member and storage assembly featuring interconnected storage containers that pivot and change orientation between a stored and accessible position, allowing items to be raised into an overhead storage area, freeing up floor space and providing easy access without the need for additional barriers or mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional storage solutions are used in smaller living units, then storage capacity is reduced, but floor space availability is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system transitions from horizontal floor space utilization to vertical overhead space utilization. The guide member extends vertically from the ceiling downward, and storage containers are positioned along this vertical axis, allowing storage in the third dimension (height) rather than competing for two-dimensional floor space.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage containers are made movable along the guide member, transitioning between a retracted position (storing items overhead) and an extended position (providing access to items). This dynamic capability allows the same space to serve dual purposes: maximizing floor space when containers are retracted and providing storage access when containers are extended.
2Area of stationary object
If overhead storage areas are utilized, then floor space is maximized, but access to stored items becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The storage containers are designed to move dynamically along the guide member. When access is needed, the containers extend downward along the guide member to a convenient access height. When not in use, they retract upward to maximize floor space. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between floor space maximization and ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the overhead storage area and the user. It provides a controlled path for the storage containers to move between the overhead storage position and the accessible position, making the transition smooth and manageable.
3Area of stationary object
If storage containers are positioned overhead, then floor space is freed up, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into discrete storage containers that can be individually positioned along the guide member. Each container is a separate unit that can move independently, allowing for modular configuration and simplified individual component design compared to a monolithic overhead storage system.
Data Source
AI summary
An overhead storage unit includes a guide member having a first horizontal segment mountable within an overhead storage area, a second vertical segment mountable below the overhead storage area, and a curved segment extending between the first and second segments. A storage assembly has storage containers each connected to at least one other storage container at common pivots. The storage containers displace along the guide member between a stored position and an accessible position. Each storage container pivots relative to an adjacent storage container on the common pivot as the storage containers are displaced between the stored and accessible positions. The storage containers are disposed within the overhead storage area and have a first orientation in the stored position. The storage containers are disposed below the overhead storage area and have a second orientation different from the first orientation in the accessible position.