Shelf and Drawer Rack Assembly with Dynamic Pivot for Bottle Display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf and drawer assemblies for storing bottles lack efficient mechanisms for transitioning between horizontal storage and angled display configurations, which limits space utilization and visibility of bottles.
Innovation Solution
The shelf assembly features a frame assembly that moves between stowed and extended positions, with a rack assembly hingedly coupled to the side member, and a linkage assembly that pivots the racks from a horizontal to an angled position, allowing bottles to be displayed upright and enhancing visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If bottles are stored horizontally in a compact configuration, then space utilization is improved, but visibility and accessibility of bottles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf assembly employs a dynamic rack system that can pivot between a first position (horizontal storage) and a second position (angled display). The rack is hingedly coupled to the frame and uses a linkage assembly with arms that allow it to rotate, enabling bottles to transition from horizontal storage to upright angled display for improved visibility and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds rotational movement to the traditional linear shelf system. The rack assembly can rotate about a pivot axis, introducing a new dimensional degree of freedom that allows bottles to be accessed and displayed at different orientations, thereby improving accessibility without sacrificing storage density.
2Device complexity
If a simple fixed shelf structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to transition between storage and display configurations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a frame assembly, a rack assembly (with front and rear racks), and a linkage assembly (with first and second arms). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly connects the rack assembly to the frame through hinged and pivoted connections, enabling the rack to dynamically change position between horizontal storage and angled display configurations. This dynamic capability is achieved through simple mechanical joints rather than complex mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If bottles are displayed upright for better visibility, then accessibility is improved, but storage space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rack assembly dynamically adjusts its orientation based on the desired function. When in the first position, bottles are stored horizontally for maximum space efficiency. When pivoted to the second position, bottles are displayed at an angle for improved accessibility. The same physical space accommodates both modes through the rack's rotational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf assembly serves multiple functions: it provides both horizontal storage and angled display capabilities using the same rack structure. The rack assembly is designed to accommodate bottles in either configuration, making the system versatile and adaptable to different user needs without requiring separate storage and display units.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf assembly includes a frame assembly having a side member, wherein the frame assembly is operable between stowed and extended positions. A rack assembly includes a first rack hingedly coupled to a second rack. The first rack and the second rack are pivotally coupled to the side member of the frame assembly, and the rack assembly is operable between first and second positions. The first rack and the second rack are angled towards a pivot axis defined between the first rack and the second rack when the rack assembly is in the second position. The rack assembly moves from the first position to the second position as the frame assembly moves from the stowed position to the extended position.