Retractable Bedside Shelf Design for Space-Efficient Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bedside storage solutions are either expensive, take up too much space, or are not adaptable to accommodate a variety of personal items such as beverages, smart phones, and jewelry, and often interfere with the user's environment, such as when making a bed.
Innovation Solution
A portably suspended retractable shelf with a horizontal platform that can be slidably captured between a mattress and its supporting structure, featuring collapsible compartments and flexible pockets, allowing easy access to items and retraction under the mattress when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional furniture like end tables or nightstands are used for bedside storage, then storage capacity is provided, but they take up too much room and are expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf unit is nested within the bed structure, with the horizontal platform positioned between the mattress and box spring, and vertical members integrated alongside the box spring. This nesting approach provides storage capacity without occupying additional floor space, as the storage structure is contained within the existing bed footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional horizontal floor-based storage (nightstands) to vertical three-dimensional storage by utilizing the space between the mattress and box spring. The horizontal platform extends outward to provide accessible storage surfaces while the vertical members utilize the vertical dimension alongside the box spring, effectively converting unused vertical space into functional storage capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If permanent storage structures are installed beside the bed, then storage is available, but they interfere with making the bed
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf unit incorporates movable and adjustable components rather than fixed permanent structures. The horizontal platform can be extended or retracted, and the vertical members are positioned to allow mattress adjustment. This dynamic design enables the storage system to adapt during bed-making operations, allowing the mattress to be adjusted without permanent obstructions in the way.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid storage compartments are used, then structural stability is provided, but they may damage delicate items and do not accommodate various item types
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf unit employs different materials and structural characteristics in different locations to serve specific functions. The horizontal platform provides a stable rigid surface for supporting items, while the vertical members and compartment structures incorporate flexible elements that can adapt to different item shapes and sizes. This localized differentiation of material properties allows the structure to maintain overall stability while providing flexible accommodation for diverse items including delicate objects and various beverage containers.
4Ease of operation
If storage compartments are made accessible to users, then ease of access is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf unit is divided into multiple independent functional segments: a horizontal platform for primary storage surface, vertical members for structural support and additional storage, and removable compartments for organized storage. This segmentation allows each component to be independently accessed and manipulated, providing ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs that reduce overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a portably suspended retractable shelf for storing bedside items and which includes a horizontal platform having an inner portion and an outer portion. In various embodiments, the inner portion is adapted to be slidably captured between a mattress and a mattress supporting structure. At least one of the following upward-facing compartments is disposed on the outer portion of the horizontal platform and is accessible to a user on the mattress: a collapsible basin, a hanging flexible pocket, a foldable box. The compartments are collapsible for allowing the horizontal platform to be slidably retracted under the mattress. A cutout hole is configured to hold a cup or other object in a suspended configuration through the shelf. A downward-facing sliding drawer compartment of various sizes is mounted and/or supported underneath the outer portion of the shelf. A storage container extends from a leading surface of the portable suspended retractable shelf. Other embodiments are also disclosed.