Automatically Retractable Tray Rims for Furniture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual folding of metal rim trays in the furniture sector is time-consuming and costly, with a high risk of operator error in reconfiguring the placement plane, and does not allow for economical manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

The tray features automatically retractable rims biased by a load, using a compression spring mechanism and L-shaped design, allowing the rims to move perpendicular to the surface and return to their rest position when the load is removed, ensuring a clear placement plane and reducing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual folding of metal rims is used, then the tray can be reconfigured between different load configurations, but the operation is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rim assembly performs the reconfiguration action automatically through self-service mechanism. When a load is placed on the tray, the weight automatically triggers the rim to retract via the spring-loaded hinge mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the load's own weight as the activating force for reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The rim transitions from a static projected state to a dynamic automatic reconfiguration state. The hinge mechanism with compression spring allows the rim to move dynamically in response to load conditions, automatically adjusting between projected and retracted positions based on whether a load is present, thereby reducing operational time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual folding of metal rims is used, then the tray can be reconfigured between different load configurations, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rim is divided into separate segments connected by hinges, allowing each segment to be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation enables simpler manufacturing processes for each component while maintaining the overall reconfiguration capability, reducing the complexity and cost of manufacturing the complete assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compression spring acts as an intermediary element between the rim and the tray structure. This simple mechanical component enables the complex reconfiguration behavior without requiring sophisticated mechanisms, thereby keeping manufacturing costs low while achieving the desired adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If rims are projected from the placement plane, then objects are confined in limited space, but the placement surface area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject containmentVSAvoidplacement surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rim position is made dynamic rather than static. The rim automatically transitions between projected and retracted positions based on load conditions. When no load is present, the rim projects to contain objects; when a load is placed, the rim retracts to maximize placement surface area, thus dynamically balancing containment needs with available space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rim undergoes periodic positioning changes based on load placement and removal. It alternates between projected state (for containment) and retracted state (for maximum surface area), creating a periodic action that responds to operational conditions, thereby optimizing both containment and surface area utilization over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This design effectively confines lightweight objects while providing a clear surface for other objects, preventing them from falling and allowing for economical production by reducing the need for manual reconfiguration and minimizing material usage.

Implementation Method 1

a compression spring disposed between a fixed abutment and the short side of the L tends to move the or each rim towards the rest position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the or each rim retracts automatically under the action of a load which biases the or each rim from its rest position towards its working position, the load being placed on the upper surface of the tray vertically above the or each rim

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9272722B2Tray having improved rims, furniture including one such tray, and corresponding tool trolley

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 STANLEY BLACK & DECKER MEA FZE

AI summary

The placement tray (6) comprises a general plane (6a) and at least one rim (60, 80) movable between a rest position in which the or each rim (60, 80) is disposed so that it projects relative to the general plane (6a) and a working position in which the or each rim (60, 80) is aligned relative to the general plane (6a). The or each rim (60, 80) retracts automatically under the action of a load (F) which biases the or each rim (60, 80) from its rest position towards its working position, the load being placed on the upper surface of the tray (6) vertically above the or each rim (60, 80).