Linear Pull-Out Mounting Plates for Variable Cabinet Widths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for mounting waste containers in cupboards are complex to manufacture and assemble, require separate assembly for different cabinet widths and side wall thicknesses, and often result in difficult access to stored utensils and a cluttered appearance.
Innovation Solution
A linear extension system using symmetrical mounting plates with adjustable spacers and film hinges for easy installation in various cabinet sizes, combined with snap-in connections for pull-out rails and a slide rail for a cover plate, allowing for flexible bucket size accommodation and easy cleaning access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mounting brackets are fixed to the rear wall of the cabinet to make the system independent of wall thickness, then adaptability to different cabinet configurations is improved, but device complexity increases due to the large number of different individual parts
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is designed as a universal component that can be used for different cabinet widths and side wall thicknesses. Instead of creating separate mounting brackets for each configuration, the single mounting plate accommodates variations through adjustable spacers and flexible mounting mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into modular components: the mounting plate, spacers, and connecting elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function and be independently adjusted or replaced, simplifying the overall device structure while enabling adaptation to different cabinet configurations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a complete box mounting bracket is inserted into the cabinet, then structural stability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates because the assembly support must be manufactured separately for different cabinet widths and side wall thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate serves as a universal base structure that maintains structural stability across different cabinet configurations. Rather than manufacturing separate complete box mounting brackets for each cabinet width and wall thickness, the same mounting plate is used with adjustable spacers, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic adjustability through spacers that can be positioned at different locations on the mounting plate. This allows the structurally stable mounting plate to adapt to varying cabinet dimensions without requiring multiple custom-manufactured components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spacer plates are folded backwards during assembly to adapt to thinner side walls, then adaptability to different cabinet dimensions is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process uses a standardized sequence of actions: attach spacers to the mounting plate, position the mounting plate in the cabinet, and secure it. This periodic, repeatable assembly sequence reduces complexity despite the adaptability features, as the same basic steps are followed regardless of cabinet dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Spacers are pre-attached to the mounting plate before installation in the cabinet. This preliminary action simplifies the on-site assembly process, as the mounting plate arrives ready-configured and only requires positioning and securing, reducing the perceived assembly complexity for the installer.
4Ease of operation
If the cover plate is slidably arranged over the buckets, then accessibility of utensils is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional slide rails and stopping mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is merged with the pull-out drawer mechanism, combining the functions of drawer movement and cover operation. The slide rails that guide the drawer also guide the cover plate, and the stopping mechanism serves both the drawer and cover, thereby providing utensil accessibility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide rail and stopping mechanism serve multiple functions: they guide and limit the movement of both the pull-out drawer and the cover plate. This multi-functionality provides improved utensil accessibility while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the same components perform multiple roles.
Data Source
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AI summary
The drawer i.e. waste collector (1) has pull-out rails (4) that are held at symmetrically designed mounting plates (5) on side walls of a kitchen floor cupboard. The side walls preset a defined mounting position, which is oriented to cupboard base and a front opening. Distance plates (6) and distance frames (7) are provided on the mounting plates for different cupboard sizes. The distance plates are fastened to the mounting plates by a film hinge, such that different wall thicknesses of the side walls are balanced during mounting.