Sliding Rotating Storage Unit for Enhanced Compartment Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage units lack improved accessibility to internal storage compartments, as they only slide and do not rotate with respect to the sidewalls, limiting user access.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a storage element that is slidably and rotatably coupled to sidewalls, allowing the storage element to actuate between stowed and forward positions, and rotate between positions that change the orientation of the storage compartment's opening for enhanced accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the storage element only slides with respect to the sidewalls, then the structure is simple, but the accessibility to the storage compartment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The storage element is coupled to the sidewalls through a dynamic mechanism that allows both sliding and rotating motions. The coupling includes channels and protrusions that guide the storage element through a combined sliding-rotating path, enabling the storage compartment to move from a retracted position to an extended accessible position while rotating to face the user, thus improving accessibility without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the traditional linear sliding motion. The storage element moves not only forward and backward along the sliding path but also rotates about an axis, transitioning from a horizontal orientation to a tilted orientation that faces the user. This dimensional addition significantly improves accessibility to the storage compartment
2Ease of operation
If the storage element extends past the front of the sidewalls, then accessibility is improved, but the device occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The storage element employs a dynamic sliding mechanism that allows it to extend past the front of the sidewalls when needed for accessibility, then retract into the housing when not in use. The coupling mechanism with channels and protrusions guides this extendable-retractable motion, enabling the storage element to occupy more space during operation while maintaining a compact footprint when stored
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is segmented into a stationary housing containing the sidewalls and a movable storage element that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the storage element to extend forward of the housing when accessibility is needed, while the main housing maintains its compact size, effectively separating the space-occupying function from the stationary structure
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a storage device are provided. The storage device includes one or more storage compartment that are slideable with respect to sidewalls of the storage device. The containers are also rotatable with respect to the sidewalls of the storage device, thereby permitting improved accessibility to the storage compartment in the container.