Rotating Shelf Adaptable Bin for Flexible Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage bins in vehicles lack flexibility in accommodating different sizes and types of objects, as they often require removable secondary bins which can be lost or do not allow unimpeded access to the storage volume.
Innovation Solution
An adaptable bin with a moveable shelf that rotates between two positions, allowing either partial or full access to the storage volume, enabling the bin to function as either a secondary or primary storage compartment without the need for removal, accommodating various object sizes including larger items like laptops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional storage bin uses a fixed structure, then it provides stable storage for standard items, but it cannot accommodate different sizes and types of objects
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is made rotatable about an axis, allowing it to dynamically change position between blocking and non-blocking configurations. This enables the storage bin to adapt to different storage needs (accommodating various object sizes) while maintaining a relatively simple structural design, as the same shelf serves multiple functions through its rotational movement
2Ease of operation
If a removable secondary bin is used to create compartments, then it provides flexible storage for smaller items, but it can be lost and does not allow unimpeded access to the main storage volume
Solution Approach 1:
The movable shelf is integrated as a permanent part of the storage bin structure rather than being a separate removable component. This merging ensures the secondary compartment capability is reliably retained while allowing unimpeded access to the entire storage volume when the shelf is rotated to its non-blocking position, eliminating the loss risk and access restriction problems of removable bins
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shelf blocks access to the bin floor, then it creates a secondary compartment for smaller items, but it prevents access to larger items on the bin floor
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf's rotational capability allows it to dynamically switch between two functional states: blocking the bin floor to create a secondary compartment for smaller items, and rotating away to allow unimpeded access to the entire storage volume for larger items. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making the shelf's blocking function conditional rather than permanent
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptable bin includes a bin floor and at least two bin walls. The bin floor and the bin walls define a storage volume. An opening is defined by the bin walls, and allows access to the storage volume. The adaptable bin includes a moveable shelf, which has a shelf floor and a shelf connector mated to one of the bin walls. The shelf connector is rotatable, relative to the bin walls, about an axis. The moveable shelf also includes a shelf arm connecting the shelf floor to the shelf connector. The moveable shelf is selectively rotatable about the axis between a first position and a second position. The first position substantially blocks access to the bin floor from the opening. The second position allows substantially-unimpeded access to the bin floor from the opening.