Receptacle assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing elevated drawers, such as those in tall cabinets or vehicle fridges, is difficult or impossible for some users, especially in elevated vehicle environments like off-road pickup trucks, where frequent access is required.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle runner assembly with pivotally connected linkages and bearing surfaces that allow the drawer to be displaced perpendicular to its movement direction, enabling it to be lowered for easier access by cooperating with inclined bearing surfaces and actuation mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If drawers are installed in elevated position in tall cabinets or vehicle tubs to enhance ground clearance, then storage capacity and vehicle utility are improved, but accessibility for users becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic multi-position system. The drawer can be moved between a retracted position (stored within the vehicle body), a partially extended position, and a fully extended position (projecting beyond the vehicle body). This dynamic positioning allows the drawer to be placed at optimal heights for both storage efficiency and user accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a vertical dimension to drawer movement by incorporating inclined bearing surfaces that guide the drawer from a horizontal retracted position to a vertical extended position. This dimensional transition allows the drawer to move from inside the vehicle body outward and downward, making contents accessible to users while maintaining elevated storage when retracted.
2Device complexity
If runners are carried along fixed tracks in traditional drawer mechanisms, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to change drawer position and height is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The runner mechanism is transformed from a simple linear guide to a dynamic positioning system. The runner carries the drawer along inclined bearing surfaces, enabling the drawer to transition between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic runner system provides both structural support and position adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined bearing surfaces act as intermediaries between the runner and the drawer. These surfaces guide the drawer's movement from the horizontal retracted position to the vertical extended position, enabling smooth transition and position change while maintaining structural integrity.
3Productivity
If frequent access to elevated drawer contents is required, then operational efficiency is improved, but user strain and accessibility issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer system enables frequent access by allowing the drawer to be quickly extended to an accessible position and easily retracted when not in use. The dynamic positioning mechanism reduces the effort required to access the drawer compared to fixed elevated installations, enabling users to frequently access contents without excessive strain.
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
Enhances access to the contents of elevated drawers by simultaneously moving and lowering them, improving usability in elevated cabinet positions, particularly in utility vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the bearings and bearing surfaces are configured to cooperate to displace the receptacle in a direction perpendicular to the first direction while the runners are moving in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a first linkage being pivotally connectable to each of the receptacle and the runner
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle runner assembly including a pair of opposed sub-assemblies configured to be arranged in a spaced relationship at opposed sides of the receptacle, each sub-assembly including a runner configured to be carried along a first track to be movable in a first direction, a first linkage being pivotally connectable to each of the receptacle and the runner, a bearing securable relative to the receptacle, and a bearing surface configured to be arranged, in use, to extend transverse to the first direction to allow carrying the bearing, wherein the bearings and bearing surfaces are configured to cooperate to displace the receptacle in a direction perpendicular to the first direction while the runners are moving in the first direction.