Storage carousel

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage carousels in cabinets face challenges in accessing objects at the rear of shelves, leading to inefficient use of space and potential breakage due to the need for extensive movement, which is time-consuming and disorganizes storage.

Innovation Solution

A storage carousel with a bracket that allows the shelf to pivot and linearly displace, utilizing a pivoting fixture on a slidable rail, enabling partial rotation and full extension for improved accessibility and space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a circular rotatable shelf is used, then accessibility to all items is improved, but space utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to itemsVSAvoidspace utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf is designed to be dynamic rather than static, capable of both pivoting and linear displacement. This allows the shelf to adapt its position based on operational needs - rotating for accessibility and extending for space optimization - resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and space utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movement mechanism is segmented into two independent components: a pivoting fixture for rotational movement and a slidable rail for linear displacement. This segmentation allows each movement type to be optimized independently, enabling the shelf to achieve both full accessibility and maximum space utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the shelf is made fully accessible through rotation, then ease of access is improved, but storage efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of accessVSAvoidstorage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one with controlled movement capabilities. Users can rotate the shelf to access items easily, then return it to an optimized storage position, balancing ease of access with storage efficiency throughout the operational cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If traditional fixed shelves are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but accessibility to rear items deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidaccessibility to rear items

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf is transformed from a fixed static structure to a dynamic one with controlled movement. The pivoting and linear displacement mechanisms add minimal complexity while dramatically improving accessibility to rear items, as users can rotate and extend the shelf to reach items without manual rearrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3403528B1Storage carousel

Publication Date: 2020.03.11 PELLY COMPONENTS AB

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A storage carousel (1) for a cabinet (300), the storage carousel (1) comprising a bracket (100) in partially pivotable connection to a shelf (200), the bracket (100) comprises a first supporting arm (101), at a first end of the first supporting arm (101) a pivoting fixture (105) is provided for connection between the shelf (200) and the supporting arm (101) for enabling the shelf (200) to pivot around at the first end of the first supporting arm (101), the pivoting fixture (105) is furthermore arranged on a slidable rail (104) such that the shelf (200) can be linearly displaced with respect to the first supporting arm (101).