Swiveling Cable Basket With Slider Lock for Hidden Cable Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cable baskets for furniture are prone to easy opening and aesthetic issues due to visible cables and socket outlets, and the deformation required for opening and closing can lead to material fatigue and damage.

Innovation Solution

A slider mechanism that allows for easy locking and unlocking of fastening elements within retaining elements, enabling the basket to be opened on both sides without deforming the retaining elements, and utilizing energy storage means to maintain the locked position without external force, allowing for easy access and closure with minimal effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cable basket is rigidly mounted under the table top, then the accommodation space is always accessible, but the cables or multiple socket outlets stored in the accommodation space are visible from outside and the accommodation space cannot be closed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility of accommodation spaceVSAvoidVisibility of cables and aesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable basket is divided into a fixed bracket portion and a movable basket portion that can be separated. The basket can be swivelled on the bracket and removed when not in use, allowing the accommodation space to be closed and cables to be hidden, while still being accessible when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the basket and bracket is made dynamic rather than rigid. The basket can swivel on the bracket and be easily removed, providing flexibility in both accessibility and aesthetic presentation depending on usage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the retaining elements are deformed to connect or separate fastening elements, then the basket can be opened and closed, but the material of the retaining elements becomes fatigued and can be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOpening and closing capabilityVSAvoidMaterial fatigue and damage of retaining elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A slider mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the retaining elements and fastening elements. The slider moves along the retaining element to engage or disengage the fastening element, eliminating the need to deform the retaining element itself and preventing material fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The deformation-based mechanical connection is replaced with a slider-based mechanical system. Instead of deforming the retaining element to connect/disconnect, the slider provides a controlled mechanical action that engages the fastening element without stress or deformation of the retaining element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9364080B2Furniture accessory in the form of a cable basket

Publication Date: 2016.06.14 STEELCASE INC

AI summary

A furniture accessory includes a bracket having first and second retaining elements, a basket having first and second fastening elements that fasten the basket to the bracket by the retaining elements, wherein the basket is swivelable about a first and second axes, a slider movably mounted on the bracket for locking the first and second fastening elements with the first and second retaining elements, wherein the slider locks the first and second fastening elements with the first and second retaining elements, the slider locks the second fastening element with the second retaining element when in a first release position such that the basket may be swivelled about the second swivel axis, and wherein the slider locks the first fastening element with the first retaining element when in a second release position such that the basket may be swivelled about the first swivel axis.