Pullout Lectern with Angle Adjustment and Nested Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lectern and shelf devices lack versatility in angle adjustment and storage solutions, particularly in compact designs that allow for both retraction and angular positioning, which limits their usability in space-constrained environments.
Innovation Solution
A pullout lectern and shelf device with a base unit having distinct sections and an angle support mechanism, allowing the lectern to be slidably removable and adjustable between flat and angled positions, with a rotatable end piece and wedge mechanism for maintaining specific angles, enabling the lectern to be fully retracted or extended while maintaining a compact form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lectern is made fixed and non-retractable, then it provides stable support for papers and books, but it occupies permanent space and cannot be hidden when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The lectern is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to transition between retracted and extended positions. The slidable connection mechanism enables the lectern to move along rails, providing adaptability while maintaining stability when extended through the wedge locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge acts as an intermediary element between the lectern and the base unit. When inserted, it locks the lectern in place, providing stability. When removed, it allows the lectern to be retracted, providing versatility. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction between fixed stability and movable adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lectern is designed with angle adjustment capability, then it can accommodate different reading and writing positions, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The angle support mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable end piece and a wedge that can be positioned at different angles. The wedge can be inserted into grooves at various angles to lock the lectern in different positions, providing adaptability without requiring complex motorized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete angular positions defined by grooves in the base unit. The wedge can engage with these pre-defined grooves to provide stable angular positions, simplifying the mechanism compared to continuous adjustment systems while still offering multiple angular options.
3Area of stationary object
If the lectern is retracted into the base unit, then it saves space and maintains a compact form, but it may obstruct access to shelves
Solution Approach 1:
The lectern is designed to nest within the base unit when retracted. The lectern fits into the bottom section of the base, utilizing the internal space efficiently. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall footprint while maintaining access to shelves through the open top and side of the base unit.
4Ease of operation
If the lectern is extended at an acute angle, then it provides better visibility and accessibility, but it prevents full retraction into the base
Solution Approach 1:
The lectern's angular position is dynamic and can be adjusted between fully retracted (parallel to base) and extended at acute angles (30, 45, or 60 degrees). The angle support mechanism allows smooth transitions between these positions, providing visibility and accessibility when needed while maintaining full retraction capability when the wedge is not engaged.
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
The device provides a versatile solution by allowing the lectern to be adjusted between flat and angled positions, optimizing space usage and hiding the lectern when fully retracted, while maintaining accessibility and visibility of shelves, enhancing usability in various settings such as during the Jewish holiday of Pesach.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge rotatably connected to a side of the lectern which is operable to maintain the lectern at a specific angle when wedged between grooves
Data Source
AI summary
A pullout lectern and shelf device are disclosed. The lectern is an angled or anglable substantially flat surface or portion thereof which is unobstructed in such a manner as to be designed for paper, books, small items, arms, or the like to rest thereon. A base unit has a top section, middle section, and bottom section, wherein each section has a different circumference than an adjacent section in one embodiment of the disclosed technology. The base unit has at least one shelf, and in some embodiments, three shelves. The lectern is slidably removable from the bottom section. An angle support mechanism attached to the lectern is operable to change an angle of the lectern relative to the base unit. The lectern has a mathematically similar shape to the base unit in some embodiments, this shape being one with at least six sides such as a hexagon or regular hexagon.