Self-retractable step
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevating devices for sinks, such as in-cabinet step stools and disappearing step-chairs, are bulky, require manual operation, and lack optimal functionality for users, especially low-height individuals, and often compromise hygiene due to surface contact during deployment.
Innovation Solution
A self-retractable step with a foot member and cylindrical assembly that automatically transitions between horizontal and vertical positions using a rotary member and spring members, allowing easy deployment and retraction without manual handling, and featuring a protuberance member to hold the step in place during retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an in-cabinet step stool is installed in a cabinet under a sink, then it provides elevating assistance to users, but it becomes bulky and requires more installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The step stool is designed to nest within the cabinet space when retracted, with the foot member fitting inside the cylindrical assembly. This nesting arrangement allows the step stool to provide full functionality when deployed while occupying minimal space during storage, effectively resolving the contradiction between user accessibility and installation volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The step stool transitions from a static bulky structure to a dynamic self-retracting mechanism. The foot member can extend horizontally for use and automatically retract vertically into the cylindrical assembly, allowing the same object to occupy different volumes based on operational needs, thus resolving the size contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If a hand-operated mechanism is used to deploy and retract the step stool, then it provides elevating assistance, but it requires manual handling and may compromise hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The step stool is equipped with a self-retracting mechanism using spring members that automatically pull the foot member back into the cylindrical assembly after use. This eliminates the need for manual retraction, allowing users to simply step off and let the mechanism handle the return journey, thereby maintaining hygiene by minimizing contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation is replaced with an automatic spring-based retraction system. The spring members store potential energy during deployment and release it to automatically retract the foot member, substituting human-operated mechanical control with an autonomous mechanical system that improves hygiene.
3Length of moving object
If the step stool is designed to reach the floor from the cabinet bottom wall, then it provides sufficient elevation, but it becomes bulky and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The step stool uses a dynamic deployment mechanism where the foot member extends horizontally from a compact vertical storage position. During operation, the full length is achieved for reaching the floor, but during storage, the same structure occupies minimal vertical space by retracting into the cylindrical assembly, resolving the contradiction between operational length and storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The step stool transitions from occupying vertical space during storage to occupying horizontal space during operation. By rotating the foot member from a vertical retracted position to a horizontal deployed position, the mechanism achieves full elevation functionality while minimizing the volume it occupies in its storage state.
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 self-retractable step provides convenient, hygienic, and safe access to sinks by automatically adjusting its position, minimizing contact with potentially unclean surfaces and ensuring easy storage, thus enhancing usability for low-height users.
Implementation Method 1
one or more spring members coupled to the rotary member are configured to self-retract the foot member from the horizontal position to the vertical position
Data Source
AI summary
A self-retractable step for assisting a user in elevating him or herself above a floor, is disclosed. The self-retractable step comprises a self-retractable foot member and a cylindrical assembly coupled with the self-retractable foot member. The foot member is configured to move from one position to another position. The cylindrical assembly comprises a rotary member, one or more spring members and a protuberance member. The rotary member is configured to move the foot member to a predetermined position. Further, the spring members coupled to the rotary member is configured to self-retract the foot member from the predetermined position. The protuberance member disposed at the cylindrical assembly is configured to act as a stopper to hold the foot member in a predetermined position on retraction by the spring members. The self-retractable step further comprises a load bearing member at a base of the foot member.