Adjustable Rotary Corner Shelf With Telescopic Height Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary shelf assemblies for corner cabinets face challenges in leveling during installation, alignment with the cabinet face, and limited height adjustment, making them difficult to install and align properly.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable rotary shelf assembly with a telescopic design, cam lock mechanism, and thumbwheel-based height adjustment system that allows for tool-free or tool-assisted alignment and adjustment, featuring a shaft with a threaded section and a cam follower for secure positioning, enabling easy installation and alignment without complex components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional rotary shelf assembly is installed in a corner cabinet, then the inaccessible corner space can be utilized, but the assembly is difficult to level and align with the cabinet face during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary shelf assembly incorporates a telescopic pole mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the assembly's position and orientation during installation. The pole can extend and retract to accommodate different cabinet depths and angles, enabling easy alignment with the cabinet face without requiring precise pre-measurement or complex leveling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a height adjustment mechanism with a cam lock and threaded rod that allows continuous adjustment of the rotary shelf's vertical position. By changing the height parameter, the assembly can be precisely aligned with the cabinet face and leveled during installation, transforming a static assembly into an adjustable one that adapts to various installation conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rotary shelf assembly is made adjustable for height, then proper alignment with the cabinet face can be achieved, but the structure becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment mechanism is integrated into the existing pole structure of the rotary shelf assembly. The threaded rod is incorporated within the telescopic pole, and the cam lock mechanism combines positioning and locking functions in a single component. This merging of functions adds adjustability while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lock mechanism provides self-contained height adjustment and locking functionality. Once the desired height is achieved by adjusting the threaded rod, the cam lock automatically secures the position without requiring additional tools or complex fastening procedures. The design allows for tool-free adjustment in many cases, reducing the need for external adjustment mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If a cam lock mechanism with threaded rod is used for height adjustment, then precise alignment is possible, but the adjustment process may require tools for challenging installations
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded rod acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cam lock and the pole positioning system. It provides fine-adjustment capability that allows precise alignment while remaining accessible for manual operation. The threaded rod's external threading allows for both hand adjustment and tool-assisted adjustment depending on the installation conditions, serving as a flexible intermediary element.
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 solution simplifies the installation and alignment process, provides easy height adjustment, and ensures proper alignment with the cabinet face, enhancing accessibility and usability of corner cabinet space.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded section of the shaft, a thumbwheel threadably engaged with the threaded section of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
a cam engaged with the shaft and pivotably supported within the lower bracket. Rotation of the thumbwheel moves the thumbwheel vertically along the threaded section of the shaft
Implementation Method 3
Elasticity of the cam follower allows a rotation of the cam and the shelves and also provides bias toward the defined 'home' position
Data Source
AI summary
A vertically adjustable rotary shelf assembly for use within a corner cabinet is provided. The shelf assembly includes an inner pole telescopically engaged with an outer pole. Disc shaped shelves are adjustably attached. A first height adjustment assembly provides a “macro” adjustment between the inner pole and the outer pole. A second height adjustment assembly provides a “micro” adjustment. The second height adjustment provides a shaft having a threaded section, a thumbwheel threadably engaged with the threaded section, and a two lobed cam. Rotation of the thumbwheel adjusts the vertical position of the outer pole, the shelves, and an attached cabinet face to align the cabinet face with the adjacent cabinets. A flexible cam follower is provided. The flexible cam follower engages the two lobed cam to bias the cabinet face in a “home” position.