Rotated Face-Frame Cabinetry for Full Interior Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional framed cabinets restrict access to the interior due to protruding face frames, while frameless cabinets lack structural integrity and aesthetic uniformity, and semi-frameless cabinets are heavy and prone to sagging.

Innovation Solution

The semi-full access and full access framed cabinet designs feature face frames with stiles and rails rotated 90 degrees, allowing for increased interior access and structural support using thinner, lighter materials, and enabling the use of Eurohinges and drawer guides mounted directly to the frame for enhanced durability and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional face frames are used with stiles protruding into the cabinet opening, then structural integrity and hinge mounting surface are provided, but access to the cabinet interior is restricted and interior space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to cabinet interiorVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The stile is inverted so that its longer dimension extends perpendicular to the side panels (parallel to the opening) rather than parallel to the side panels. This inversion allows the stile to provide structural support while its inner surface remains substantially flush with the inner surface of the side panel, eliminating interference with access to the cabinet interior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The stile's cross-sectional dimensions are reoriented by 90 degrees, changing which dimension provides the mounting surface and which provides the structural depth. The longer dimension now extends in the direction perpendicular to the side panels, providing both structural integrity and a flush inner surface that does not interfere with cabinet access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If face frame members protrude into the cabinet opening, then structural support is provided, but the opening width is reduced and accessibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidopening width

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The stile is inverted so that its longer dimension extends perpendicular to the side panels, allowing the stile to provide structural support while its inner surface remains substantially flush with the inner surface of the side panel, maximizing the opening width and accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If stiles extend beyond the side panel surfaces, then structural reinforcement is provided, but drawer guides and accessories cannot attach to the inner surface of the side panel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural reinforcementVSAvoidmounting of accessories

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stile is inverted so that its inner surface is substantially flush with the inner surface of the side panel, creating a continuous mounting surface that allows drawer guides and other accessories to attach directly to the side panel inner surface without being blocked by the stile

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The inverted stile configuration serves multiple functions: it provides structural reinforcement through its deeper configuration, maintains a flush surface for accessory mounting, and preserves the full width of the cabinet opening for access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9596933B2Semi-full access and full access framed cabinetry

Publication Date: 2017.03.21 TRUFRAME CABINETRY LLC

AI summary

A semi-full access and full access face frame for a cabinet box is provided, together with a method for making and assembling cabinet boxes. In a semi-full access face frame, the vertical stiles are rotated ninety degrees compared to a traditional face frame. In a full access face frame the vertical stiles and the horizontal rails are rotated ninety degrees compared to a traditional face frame.