Sliding-Pivoting Shelf Mechanism with Multi-Position Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding/pivoting mechanisms for shelves in furniture and appliances lack reliable indication of the unloading position and require excessive effort to reach, with potential water spillage issues in dishwashers due to protruding shelves.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism featuring pivoting arms with guide rails and a locking mechanism that allows the shelf to be locked in intermediate positions, using a bolt with multiple locking points and a release unit actuated by a mechanical transmission means, preventing shelf retraction into the appliance body and providing acoustic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shelf is allowed to extend fully outside the appliance body, then easy access to the shelf is achieved, but water spillage occurs in dishwashers due to protruding shelf edges
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf extension path is segmented into multiple discrete positions (fully retracted, intermediate, fully extended) using a locking mechanism with multiple locking points. This allows the shelf to be stopped at an intermediate position where the edge aligns with the appliance door, providing access while preventing water spillage.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf positioning system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic multi-position system. The pivoting arms and locking mechanism enable the shelf to move between different positions (retracted, intermediate, extended) and lock securely at each position, adapting to different user needs while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple locking points is implemented, then secure positioning of the shelf is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A bolt acts as an intermediary element between the pivoting arm and the guide rail. The bolt engages with multiple locking points on the guide rail to secure the shelf at different positions. This simple intermediary component provides reliable locking without requiring complex mechanisms at each locking point.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-locking through the interaction of the bolt, spring-loaded web, and guide element with multiple locking points. The spring automatically engages the bolt with the nearest locking point during shelf movement, providing secure positioning without requiring active user intervention or complex control systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the shelf is locked in an intermediate position, then water spillage is prevented, but full access to the entire shelf is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic switching between positioning modes. Users can lock the shelf at an intermediate position to prevent water spillage during normal operation, or unlock and extend the shelf fully when complete access is needed. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between safety and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf position parameter is changed from a continuous variable to a discrete set of predefined positions (retracted, intermediate, extended). The intermediate position parameter is specifically optimized to align the shelf edge with the appliance door, preventing water spillage while maintaining sufficient access for most operations.
4Loss of information
If a release unit with mechanical transmission means is used, then user feedback and control are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical transmission means (Bowden cable, thrust linkage, gear, or belt drive) connected to the actuating element provides tactile feedback to the user during operation. When the user actuates the release unit, they can feel the mechanical resistance and confirmation of locking/unlocking through the transmission mechanism, ensuring clear user feedback without electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical transmission means acts as an intermediary between the user's actuating input and the release unit's locking mechanism. This intermediary mechanism transmits the user's force while providing mechanical feedback, and can be implemented using simple components like Bowden cables or thrust linkages that add minimal complexity.
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
Enables easy access to the shelf with minimal effort, prevents water spillage by keeping the shelf edge within the appliance door, and ensures secure locking positions with clear user feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a web (12) which is held pivotably and resiliently on one of the swivel arms (3, 4) and has a bolt (121) which projects in the direction of the guide rail (5)
Implementation Method 2
at least two pivoting arms (3, 4) which are arranged on at least one of the side walls (21, 22) of the body (2) with a first end (31, 41) parallel to the plane of the side walls (21, 22) and are arranged such that they can rotate
Implementation Method 3
a guide rail (5) is pivotably fixed parallel to the plane of the side walls (21, 22) in such a way that the guide rail (5) can be pivoted from a lower position inside the body (2) to a raised, upper position at least partially outside the body (2)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2a
AI summary
The invention relates to a sliding-pivoting mechanism of a shelf (11) of a piece of furniture or of a domestic appliance for pulling out and raising the shelf (11) from a body (2) of the piece of furniture or of the domestic appliance, which sliding-pivoting mechanism comprises: at least two pivoting arms (3, 4), a first end of which is fastened to at least one of the side walls (21, 22) of the body (2) in such a way that said pivoting arms can be rotated parallel to the plane of the side walls (21, 22) and which are arranged parallel to each other at a distance from each other, wherein at respective second ends of the pivoting arms (3, 4) a guide rail (5) is fastened in such a way that the guide rail can be pivoted parallel to the plane of the side walls (21, 22) and in such a way that the guide rail (5) can be pivoted from a lower position inside the body (2) to a raised upper position at least partially outside the body (2); and at least one running rail (6), which can be linearly moved in the guide rail (5) and to which the shelf (11) is fastened. The sliding-pivoting mechanism further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the shelf (11) in at least one intermediate position between the lower position and the upper position, said locking mechanism being arranged on the guide rail (5) and on one of the pivoting arms (3, 4) and being unlockable by an unlocking unit (9) that is held in place on the running rail (6) or the shelf (11). Furthermore, an item of furniture and a domestic appliance are described.