Rotating Multi-Section Cabinet With Gravity-Biased Access

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage cabinets face challenges in providing high-density, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-efficient designs for storing various items, often requiring complex mechanical or electromechanical retrieval systems that are expensive and unreliable.

Innovation Solution

A carousel cabinet design featuring a cabinet-section assembly with hinged sections that rotate to form a complete circuit, biased by a gravitational suspension mechanism, allowing easy access from multiple sides without latches, and stabilized by brackets for reliable and simple operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If complex mechanical or electromechanical retrieval systems are used, then item retrieval convenience is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem retrieval convenienceVSAvoidmechanical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet is divided into multiple independently hinged sections that can be accessed separately. Each section operates autonomously through simple hinges rather than requiring a centralized complex retrieval mechanism, allowing users to access specific items without moving entire shelves or sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex electromechanical systems to retrieve items, the patent inverts the approach by using simple gravitational force and hinge mechanics that allow sections to naturally swing open and closed, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, and control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Quantity of substance

If high-density storage is implemented, then storage capacity is improved, but access to items becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoiditem access difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet is divided into multiple independently hinged sections that can be accessed separately. Each section operates autonomously through simple hinges rather than requiring a centralized complex retrieval mechanism, allowing users to access specific items without moving entire shelves or sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cabinet sections use dynamic hinged connections that allow smooth opening and closing motion. The hinges enable sections to swing freely, providing easy access to densely stored items without requiring the user to move or manipulate other sections, thus maintaining both high density and ease of access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If latches or catches are added to maintain open position, then stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopen position stabilityVSAvoidlatch mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet sections utilize the natural weight and gravitational force of the sections themselves to maintain stability in both open and closed positions. The hinges and section geometry create natural resting positions without requiring additional latches, catches, or locking mechanisms, thereby maintaining stability while minimizing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If cabinet sections are hinged in a complete circuit, then access from multiple sides is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-sided access capabilityVSAvoidhinge alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet is divided into multiple independently hinged sections that can be accessed separately. Each section operates autonomously through simple hinges rather than requiring a centralized complex retrieval mechanism, allowing users to access specific items without moving entire shelves or sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinged cabinet sections serve multiple functions: they provide structural framework, enable multi-sided access, allow independent section operation, and create natural stability through their gravitational balance. This universal design achieves versatility without requiring high-precision manufacturing of specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design enables convenient, dense storage with easy access to all contents, reducing manufacturing costs and improving reliability by eliminating the need for latches and providing a simple, aesthetically pleasing structure.

Implementation Method 1

The support bias is gravitationally driven by a suspension mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS7789473B2Multi-section cabinet

Publication Date: 2010.09.07 LOEWEN JAMES M

AI summary

A cabinet, having a cabinet-section assembly including a circuit of four, interconnected, square cabinet sections arranged around a central pole. The cabinet sections are suspended from a hub that is free to rotate atop the central pole. The suspension system biases the cabinet-section assembly toward either an open configuration, exposing open sides of the cabinet sections, or a closed configuration from intermediate configurations. A stabilizing bracket provides lateral support to the suspended cabinet-section assembly.