Shoe carousel device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe storage racks lack visibility and space efficiency, often becoming overcrowded and prone to scuff marks and dust accumulation, as they are typically low to the ground and do not allow for easy observation or distinction of shoes.
Innovation Solution
A shoe carousel device with a rotating stand and stackable shelves that hold shoes in an angled orientation, using non-slip materials and optional motor with foot pedal for hands-free operation, allowing for efficient use of space and preventing scuffs through a raised outer rim with felt lining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional shoe storage racks are designed to hold multiple shoes, then storage capacity is improved, but visibility and distinguishability of individual shoes deteriorates due to overcrowding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional horizontal rack layout to a vertical carousel structure with multiple tiers. Shoes are arranged radially around a central axis at different heights and angles, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. This dimensional change allows numerous shoes to be stored while maintaining individual visibility through the radial arrangement and rotational access.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel incorporates rotational movement to dynamically present shoes to the user. By rotating the carousel, any shoe can be brought to an accessible viewing position, ensuring that even with high storage capacity, individual shoes remain easily detectable and distinguishable when needed.
2Ease of operation
If conventional shoe racks are placed low to the ground for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but floor space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves shoe storage from a horizontal floor-based arrangement to a vertical space-utilizing carousel structure. By stacking multiple tiers vertically around a central axis, the design achieves high storage capacity and accessibility without consuming excessive floor space, as the footprint is minimized while maximizing vertical utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel structure nests multiple shelves and shoe holders within a compact cylindrical form factor. Each tier is nested within the vertical envelope of the carousel, allowing dense packing of storage levels while maintaining a small overall footprint that conserves floor space.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional shoe racks are overcrowded to increase storage capacity, then quantity of shoes stored is improved, but shoe protection deteriorates due to scuff marks and dust accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational carousel mechanism allows shoes to be presented one at a time in an organized sequence, preventing overcrowding. Each shoe has its own designated position that is accessed dynamically through rotation, ensuring proper spacing between shoes that eliminates scuff marks and reduces dust accumulation while maintaining high storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies differentiated local qualities to different parts of the carousel structure. Raised outer rims with felt lining are provided at specific locations where shoes are stored, creating localized protective zones that prevent scuff marks. The mesh material provides localized dust protection, while the overall radial arrangement ensures proper ventilation and dust reduction for each shoe position.
4Area of stationary object
If a narrow carousel body is designed to conserve space, then floor space efficiency is improved, but structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel adopts a curved cylindrical structure with a circular base and radial shelving arrangement. This spherical geometry distributes mechanical loads evenly around the central axis, providing inherent structural stability. The curved design also minimizes the footprint while maintaining rigidity, as the circular form is inherently stronger and more stable than angular configurations of the same footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines wood or metal structural components with mesh materials and felt linings to create a composite structure. The rigid wooden or metal frame provides the primary structural stability, while the mesh and felt components add reinforcement and protective qualities. This composite construction achieves both narrow footprint and enhanced structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe carousel device that includes in one embodiment a base for stabilization and support, a support stem attached to the base and extending upwards therefrom at an approximate 90 degree angle, and a plurality of stackable shelves mounted on the support stem, including a discrete top shelf. The stackable shelves and top shelf are circular shaped with a raised outer tab and lighting disposed along their circumference and a relatively thin mesh surfacing. The top shelf includes a plurality of tilted slats which each can receive a pair of flat bottom shoes. In some embodiments, the tilted slats may extend upwards in order to increase the number of slats that can fit on the shelf. In some embodiments, the shoe carousel device also includes a foot pedal actuated motor operative to rotate the shoe carousel device.