Storage Carousel Shelf Connector for Tool-Free Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage carousels in cabinets are inefficient in space utilization due to central posts, and the installation and removal of shelves are complex and not user-friendly.
Innovation Solution
A storage carousel design with quick connecting means that eliminates the central post, allowing for stepless and easy adjustment of shelf height, featuring a pivotable disc with radially protruding tabs and a circular ring for secure attachment, along with a friction lock on a guide rail for vertical adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a central post is used to support shelves in a cabinet, then the structural stability is improved, but the available storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the central post from the storage carousel system entirely. Instead of supporting shelves around a central post, the invention uses a peripheral support structure where shelves are mounted on arms that extend from the cabinet wall, completely eliminating the space-consuming central post and maximizing storage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a radial support structure (central post) to a linear/peripheral support structure (cabinet wall-mounted arms). By moving the support function to the cabinet wall dimension rather than using a central vertical post, the system achieves both structural stability and maximum storage space utilization.
2Stability of the object's composition
If shelves are mounted in a non-releasable manner in the cabinet, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation for installation and removal is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shelf support system into separable components: a mounting arm fixed to the cabinet, a detachable connection mechanism with engagement means, and the shelf itself. This segmentation allows the shelf to be easily detached and reattached while maintaining structural stability when engaged, enabling simple installation and removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system where the engagement means can transition between locked and unlocked states. The connection mechanism includes movable elements that allow easy engagement/disengagement through simple user actions (such as pressing or sliding), providing both secure mounting when engaged and easy removal when disengaged.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed height positions are used for shelves in the cabinet, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability for different storage needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable height mechanism where the mounting arm can be positioned at multiple height levels along the cabinet wall. The connection system allows the shelf height to be dynamically adjusted by moving the engagement means to different positions, providing both precise positioning and flexibility for different storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal mounting system that can accommodate shelves at various heights and positions. The adjustable connection mechanism serves multiple functions: securing the shelf, allowing height adjustment, and enabling easy removal. This multi-functional design provides adaptability for different storage needs while maintaining precise positioning capability.
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 efficient space utilization, easy and quick assembly, and safe, user-friendly installation and removal of shelves without the need for additional vertical posts, improving usability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The pivotable part comprises first engagement means and the second attachments means comprises corresponding second engagement means, and the pivotable part is lockable relative to the second attachments means by engaging the first engagement means with the second engagement means
Implementation Method 2
a friction lock on a guide rail for vertical adjustment
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is connecting means (100) for pivotable connection of a shelf (200) to a cabinet (400), and a storage carousel (1) comprising such connecting means (100). The connecting means (100) comprises first attachment means (110) for attachment either to the shelf (200) or the cabinet (400), and second attachment means (120) for attachment to the one of the shelf (200) or the cabinet (400) to which the first attachment means (110) is not connected. The connecting means (100) further comprising a pivotable part (111) arranged at the first attachment means (110), which pivotable part (111) is pivotable relative the first attachment means (110). The pivotable part (111) comprises first engagement means (112), and the second attachments means (120) comprises corresponding second engagement means (122), wherein the pivotable part (111) is lockable relative to the second attachments means (120) by engaging the first engagement means (112) with the second engagement means (122).