Rollable drawer system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-drawer systems for mixing machines and food processors are inconvenient as they do not allow easy operation when stacked, as the space between the countertop and the cabinet above is insufficient, forcing users to remove and reposition the machine to install tools.
Innovation Solution
A rollable drawer system with adjustable wheels that can be raised or lowered, allowing the drawer to be securely positioned on a countertop when not in use and easily rolled when needed, enabling users to access tools without obstructing the mixing machine's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drawer system is designed to be stationary on the countertop, then it provides stable storage for tools, but it cannot be easily moved when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer system incorporates wheels that can be dynamically adjusted between extended and retracted positions. When extended, the wheels enable the drawer system to roll easily across the countertop. When retracted, the wheels are hidden within the housing, providing a stable, flat bottom surface for secure positioning. This dynamic transformation allows the system to switch between mobile and stationary states as needed.
2Ease of operation
If the drawer system is made compact for storage under cabinets, then it saves space, but it prevents easy access to tools
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer system uses extendable wheels to dynamically change its effective size. When stored under cabinets, the wheels are retracted into the housing, maintaining a compact profile that fits in limited spaces. When access to tools is needed, the system can be rolled out by extending the wheels, providing easy accessibility without requiring permanent exposure of the entire system.
3Ease of operation
If the wheels are always extended for mobility, then the drawer system can be easily moved, but it cannot be securely positioned on the countertop
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel mechanism allows dynamic adjustment between extended and retracted states. When mobility is needed, wheels extend to enable rolling. When secure positioning is required, wheels retract completely into the housing, creating a flat, stable bottom surface that prevents slipping or unintended movement. This on-demand transformation allows the system to achieve both mobility and stability as needed.
4Ease of operation
If the drawer system includes wheel mechanisms, then it gains mobility, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel system is divided into separate, modular components: individual wheels that can be independently extended or retracted, and a housing that contains the mechanical structure. Each side of the drawer system has independent wheel assemblies that can operate separately. This segmentation simplifies the overall design, makes the mechanism easier to manufacture and maintain, and allows the complexity to be distributed rather than concentrated in a single complex assembly.
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
Enables convenient use of mixing machines by allowing the drawer system to be rolled out from under a cabinet, allowing unobstructed access to tools and secure repositioning, improving usability and storage efficiency in kitchens.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first and second sides may further include a pivot, wherein the arm is fixed on the pivot. The arm pivots on the pivot from the first arm position to the second arm position
Implementation Method 2
the first lever and the second lever may be coupled to the arm by a friction-generating element that is engaged in the slot
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An apparatus includes a housing having first and second sides, a bottom surface, and a drawer disposed in the housing. Each of the first and second sides of the housing includes first and second wheels coupled to the housing, the first and second wheels having a first wheel position in which no portion of the first and second wheels is above the bottom surface of the housing and a second wheel position in which a portion of each of the first and second wheels is below the bottom surface of the housing. Each side also includes an arm coupled to the housing, the arm having a first arm position and a second arm position, wherein movement of the arm from the first arm position to the second arm position causes the first and second wheels to move from the first wheel position to the second wheel position.