Pivoting Shelf Linkage With Integrated Handle and Load Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swivel shelves for kitchen wall cabinets lack a functional handle and securement mechanism, making it difficult for shorter operators to access objects stored in upper regions, and existing designs fail to provide a stable and ergonomic solution for pivoting and securing the tray.
Innovation Solution
A swivel shelf with a pivoting operating element that extends over the entire width of the shelf, acting as a load securing device and gripping handle, which pivots from an initial position inside the cabinet to a downward open position, coupled with a four-bar linkage mechanism and adjustable spring elements for ergonomic access and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional swivel shelf is installed in a kitchen wall cabinet, then the shelf can be pivoted to access objects, but there is no functional handle or securement mechanism making it difficult for shorter operators to access objects
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a gripping handle for pivoting the shelf, provides load securing for stored objects, and serves as a structural component of the shelf assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate handle and securement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the handle function and load securing function into a single integrated operating element. This operating element is merged with the shelf structure itself, creating a unified component that provides both ergonomic access and securement without adding separate parts.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the operating element is positioned high for structural stability, then the shelf is stable, but it cannot be used as an operating element for pivoting out the swiveling tray
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element is designed to change its position dynamically during operation. It transitions from an initial horizontal position (providing structural stability and load securing) to a downward pivoted position (providing ergonomic gripping height). This dynamic repositioning allows the same element to fulfill both stability and operability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element utilizes vertical dimension changes through pivoting motion. By moving from a high horizontal position to a lower vertical position during pivoting, it accesses a different spatial dimension that provides both structural support when horizontal and ergonomic handle height when lowered.
3Ease of operation
If the operating element pivots downward with the tray, then ergonomic access is improved, but the element must be repositioned during movement requiring additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting motion of the operating element is merged with the pivoting motion of the shelf tray itself. Both movements are combined into a single coordinated motion through the four-bar linkage mechanism, eliminating the need for separate pivoting actuators for the handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-bar linkage mechanism is designed to automatically position the operating element at the correct angle and height during tray pivoting without requiring external control. The mechanism self-regulates the operating element's position based on the tray's movement, providing automatic ergonomic positioning.
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
Enables safe and ergonomic access to upper storage areas in kitchen wall cabinets by providing a secure and stable mechanism for pivoting the tray, allowing operators to easily remove objects and maintain load security during the downward movement.
Implementation Method 1
Spring elements, for example gas pressure springs, can be used for support, which are designed to be adjustable in order to support or dampen the corresponding downward and/or upward movement for the operator.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pivoting shelf 7 for a piece of furniture 4, in particular a pivoting shelf for a kitchen hanging cabinet 4, each with a pair 11, 12 of pivoting levers 11.1, 11.2; 12.1, 12.2, which are fixed in a pivotable manner on opposite side walls 4.1, 4.2 of the piece of furniture 4 and on opposite side walls 7.1 of the shelf 7, which laterally delimit a shelf receptacle 7.3, and which in pairs form a four-bar arrangement for transferring the swivel shelf 7 from an initial position located inside the cabinet into a lowered opening position. In order to also be able to arrange this pivoting shelf for a downward pivoting movement, in particular in kitchen wall cabinets, provision is made for one pivoting lever 11.1 and 12.1 of a pair of pivoting levers 11, 12 to be connected to the associated pivoting lever 11.1, 12.1 of the other pair of pivoting levers 11, 12 via an operating element 9 which extends into its initial operating position along a side of the tray receptacle 7.3 that faces an operator during the pivoting operation of the tray and can be transferred from its initial operating position into a downward pivoted opening operating position when the pivoting tray 7 is pivoted into its open position (Fig. 5).