Rotating Cabinet Carousel Shelves for Accessible Vertical Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage solutions, such as shelves, inefficiently utilize space and are inaccessible to individuals with mobility issues, failing to accommodate the elderly, infirm, and those in wheelchairs, and lack automated organization and refrigeration options.
Innovation Solution
A motorized cabinet carousel with vertically rotating shelves, driven by a chain mechanism and controlled by an electronic controller, featuring a refrigerated compartment and accessible door configuration for users in wheelchairs, including a catch door linkage and adjustable opening, to optimize storage and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed-position shelves are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the storage space utilization is inefficient and accessibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming fixed-position shelves into rotating carousel shelves that can move vertically along guide rails. This dynamic configuration allows the shelves to rotate and present stored items at various heights, enabling efficient use of vertical storage space while maintaining accessibility for users of different heights and abilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements another dimension by adding vertical movement capability to the shelves. Instead of static horizontal shelving, the shelves can move up and down along the cabinet height, creating a three-dimensional storage solution that maximizes vertical space utilization while keeping all items within easy reach.
2Ease of operation
If conventional shelves are used, then the structure is simple, but accessibility for elderly, infirm, and wheelchair users is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating carousel shelf system allows items to be brought to the user's level through rotation, making storage and retrieval easy for elderly, infirm, and wheelchair users without requiring them to reach high or bend low.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated rotation mechanism enables users to access items at their own level without assistance, allowing the system to serve itself by presenting items at the optimal height for each user's needs.
3Volume of stationary object
If vertical space above conventional shelves is utilized, then storage capacity increases, but accessibility and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by allowing shelves to move up and down along the full height of the cabinet. This creates accessible storage throughout the entire vertical space, transforming unused upper cabinet areas into functional storage zones that remain easily accessible through the rotation mechanism.
4Productivity
If merchandise is presented at optimal vertical and lateral levels to increase commercial activity, then sales improve, but employees must physically move products on shelves
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating carousel mechanism automatically presents merchandise at optimal viewing and access levels, eliminating the need for employees to manually move products. The system dynamically adjusts item presentation to maximize commercial activity while reducing labor time.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated rotation system performs the function of product presentation and repositioning without human intervention, allowing the shelves to serve themselves by automatically presenting items at optimal levels for customer viewing and purchase.
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 enables efficient use of vertical space, provides accessible storage for all users, maintains organized merchandise, and ensures refrigeration, addressing the limitations of prior art by enhancing usability and space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
A motorized cabinet carousel with vertically rotating shelves, driven by a chain mechanism
Implementation Method 2
featuring a refrigerated compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A chain-driven rotating shelf carousel formed by a plurality of pivoting shelves rotating within a continuous track disposed vertically within an upright cabinet storage unit is provided. Each shelf is attached to a chassis with leading and trailing arms terminating in cams positioned in the track which are driven by a series of sprockets. The shelves include engagement channels that enclose corresponding projections when the shelf moves into an access position generally aligned with an exterior door, such that when the exterior door is opened, the shelf can be accessed by a user.