Sliding Closet Mirror Assembly With Anti-Tipping Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mirror systems for closets do not efficiently store a mirror and slide it between a retracted inoperative location within the closet and an extended operative location outside in a safe, convenient, and economical manner.
Innovation Solution
A closet reflection system comprising an upper component with a hook, an anti-tipping leg, and a slider assembly with a fixed and movable plate, allowing the mirror to be securely and easily slid between locations using a clip and pivot pin mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mirror is stored in a closet using conventional methods, then the mirror can be stored, but it cannot be safely and conveniently slid between retracted and extended locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic slider assembly with movable plates that can transition between retracted and extended positions. The slider includes a movable plate that slides along the rod, allowing the mirror to be dynamically positioned within the closet or extended outward as needed, resolving the contradiction between safe storage and convenient access.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror storage system is divided into separate functional components: an upper component for support, a slider assembly with fixed and movable plates for positioning, and a rod for movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to provide both safe storage and convenient operation.
2Reliability
If a complex mirror storage system is designed to provide safe and convenient operation, then reliability and ease of operation improve, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slider assembly uses uniform plate structures (fixed plate, intermediate plate, movable plate) with similar geometric shapes and materials. This homogeneity simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing standardized production methods and reducing the need for specialized fabrication techniques, thereby controlling costs while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs simple gravity-based operation where the mirror's own weight facilitates its movement between positions. The slider mechanism relies on basic friction and gravitational forces rather than complex motors or actuators, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring reliable operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple mirror storage system is used to reduce manufacturing cost, then ease of manufacture improves, but the ability to safely slide the mirror between locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slider assembly features nested plates where the intermediate plate is positioned between the fixed and movable plates, and the clip is nested within the movable plate structure. This nested configuration achieves efficient space utilization and smooth sliding motion without requiring complex external mechanisms, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving operational convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
An upper component is horizontally oriented and formed with upper and lower surfaces and front and rear edges. A hook extends upwardly from a central extent of the upper surface. An anti-tipping leg has a lower end attached to the rear edge. A slider assembly is formed with a fixed plate attached to the lower surface of the upper component and a movable plate below the upper component. The slider assembly is also formed with an intermediate plate slidably coupled between the fixed plate and the movable plate. The slider assembly includes a clip in an inverted U-shaped configuration depending from the movable plate.