Pull-Out Corner Shelf Mechanism Without an Internal Support Column
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pull-out mechanisms for shelves in corner cabinets require a vertical supporting column inside the cabinet, which occupies valuable space, is aesthetically unpleasing, and has large dimensions, limiting usable space and requiring additional space for shelf movement.
Innovation Solution
A pull-out shelf with an oblong, two-lobe sinuous shape and a simplified mechanism using two rotatable arms and a sinuous track, allowing the shelf to move horizontally and rotate, reducing the need for a vertical column and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vertical supporting column is used inside the cabinet to support the pull-out mechanism, then the shelf can be pulled out and put back in, but the column occupies valuable shelf space and reduces usable area
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the vertical supporting column from the interior of the cabinet and relocates it to the exterior, where it is concealed behind the door post. This extraction eliminates the space occupation problem inside the cabinet while maintaining the structural support function needed for the pull-out mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical column is nested within the door post structure, concealing it from view and integrating it into the existing cabinet framework. This nesting approach allows the column to perform its structural function without occupying valuable shelf space or compromising aesthetics.
2Ease of operation
If a vertical supporting column is used inside the cabinet, then the shelf can be moved, but the mechanism requires large dimensions covering the entire door opening width
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a horizontal mechanism layout that spans the door opening width to a vertical arrangement where the column extends upward from the floor. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to fit within a smaller horizontal footprint while maintaining the necessary movement capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If a semi-circular shelf shape is used, then the shelf can pass through the door opening with sinusoidal trajectory, but the loading surface area is smaller compared to square or rectangular shelves
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic sinusoidal trajectory for shelf movement, allowing the shelf to rotate and translate in a coordinated manner. This dynamic approach enables various shelf geometries to pass through the door opening by adjusting the movement path, rather than being constrained to a fixed geometric shape.
4Ease of operation
If the shelf is pulled out completely, then access to objects is improved, but the shelf has oblique positioning requiring additional free space in front of the cabinet
Solution Approach 1:
The sinusoidal trajectory of shelf movement introduces a curved, rhythmic motion pattern that allows the shelf to navigate through the door opening and achieve a retracted position. This curved path enables the shelf to clear the door posts and return toward the cabinet, reducing the space required in front of the cabinet compared to linear movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A cabinet (1) with a containment space (2), shelves (9) contained in the containment space (2), an access opening (3) to the containment space (2) and a moving mechanism (4) for moving the shelves (9) through the opening (3); wherein the moving mechanism (4) comprises a first arm (5) and a second arm (6), which are sustained by the cabinet (1), cantilever-style, inside the containment space (2), and rotatably about a vertical line (V), said first arm (5) and second arm (6) in turn sustaining a related shelf (9) in a condition rotatable with a turning motion about at least one vertical line (V). At least the second arm (6) of said arms (5, 6) is provided with two component segments (10, 11), converging at an interposed articulated joint (12). Control means (13) for coordination of the motion of the first arm (5) and the second arm (6) which are designed to allow the shelf (9) to travel along a horizontal trajectory with variable orientation of its positioning, in such a way as to pass through the access opening (3) of the cabinet (1). The control means (13) comprise a slider (14) and a track (16) relative to which the slider (14) is movable. The slider (14) and the track (16) are as one, constantly coupled to one another, and operatively positioned between said first arm (5) and second arm (6).