Pull-Out Cabinet Drawer With Swing-Out Side Storage Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cupboards with pull-out parts do not allow unimpeded access to smaller objects stored within their usable filling volume, as the storage parts are typically pivoted upwards or laterally within the cabinet boundaries, limiting accessibility and utilization of the available space.

Innovation Solution

The storage part is designed to pivot beyond the lateral boundary of the cabinet when the pull-out part is extended, creating an additional, independently usable storage compartment that can be accessed freely, utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism for easy pivoting and automatic opening, allowing maximum accessibility without impairing the pull-out part's base area or filling volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the storage part is pivoted upwards or laterally within the cabinet boundaries, then the cabinet structure is maintained, but access to smaller objects stored within the usable filling volume is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to stored objectsVSAvoidusable filling volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage part is designed to pivot beyond the lateral boundary of the cabinet when the pull-out part is extended, utilizing the third dimension (lateral space outside the cabinet) to resolve the contradiction between maintaining cabinet structure and improving accessibility to stored objects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the storage part is held inside the cabinet interior, then the cabinet structure is simple, but the usability and accessibility of smaller stored objects is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusability of stored objectsVSAvoidcabinet structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage part is designed to dynamically change its position based on the pull-out part's extension state, pivoting beyond lateral boundaries when extended and returning to the interior when retracted, thereby improving usability without permanently complicating the cabinet structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the storage part pivots within the cabinet boundaries, then the cabinet structure is maintained, but the utilization of available filling space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveutilization of filling spaceVSAvoidcabinet boundaries
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage part utilizes lateral space outside the cabinet boundaries when the pull-out part is extended, effectively increasing the usable filling volume by accessing three-dimensional space beyond the traditional cabinet footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design enhances the ease of use and accessibility of stored objects by providing additional storage levels and ensuring that the entire filling space is utilized, with the storage part being freely accessible and usable when the pull-out part is open, while maintaining the cabinet's structural integrity and preventing jamming or snagging.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one additional storage part creates a storage compartment that can be used independently of the storage space of the pull-out part... Due to the spring loading of the storage part in the swing-out or ejection direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP1916924B1Cabinet with a pull-out part
Publication Date: 2017.04.12 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1916924B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1916924B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1916924B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cabinet (1) with a pull-out part, preferably a drawer (2), which can be pulled out of the cabinet body is described. The particular feature of the cabinet is that the pull-out part (2) is provided with at least one pivotable storage part (3) which, with the pull-out part (2) pushed in, is situated completely within the inner space of the cabinet (1) which accommodates the pull-out part (2) and, with the pull-out part (2) pulled out, projects beyond a boundary of the cabinet (1), wherein the storage part (3) is subjected to the action of an energy-accumulating device in the pivoted-out direction. The cabinet (1) can also be designed in such a way that the pull-out part (2) is provided with at least one displaceable storage part (3) which, with the pull-out part (2) pushed in, is situated completely with the inner space of the cabinet (1) which accommodates the pull-out part (2) and, with the pull-out part pulled out, projects beyond a boundary of the cabinet (1), wherein the storage part (3) is subjected to the action of an energy-accumulating device in the pushed-out direction or is positively guided along a guide means..