Telescopic Stop Assembly for Utensil Tray Stabilization in Drawers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stop devices for utensil trays in drawers are inadequate in preventing shifting during drawer operation, as they lack a reliable mechanism to securely stabilize the tray across varying drawer and tray dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic stop device comprising a sleeve and tube assembly with removable feet and a biasing member, where the sleeve and tube extend between the drawer and utensil tray, and the biasing member compresses the feet against the drawer and tray to prevent shifting, allowing adjustable length for compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing stop devices are used to prevent utensil tray shifting, then the drawer organization function is provided, but the devices are inadequate in preventing shifting during drawer operation
Solution Approach 1:
The stop device employs a telescopic mechanism with a sleeve and tube that can extend and retract, allowing the device to dynamically adjust its length to accommodate varying drawer and tray dimensions while maintaining reliable stabilization of the utensil tray during drawer operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its physical parameter (length) through the telescopic assembly, where the sleeve and tube can be extended or retracted to match different drawer depths and tray positions, ensuring both adaptability to various dimensions and effective prevention of tray shifting
2Adaptability or versatility
If a telescopic stop device is used to accommodate varying dimensions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic mechanism utilizes a nested structure where the tube is positioned within the sleeve, allowing one component to be inserted into another. This nesting approach provides adaptability for varying dimensions while keeping the device compact and relatively simple when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The stop device is segmented into separate components (sleeve, tube, feet, biasing member) that can independently function and be assembled. This segmentation allows for adjustable length through the telescopic sections while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured and maintained easily
3Reliability
If removable feet are added to abut drawer and tray ends, then stabilization effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feet are designed to be removably attachable rather than permanently fixed, allowing the device to adapt its configuration for different installation scenarios. This dynamic attachment system provides effective stabilization while enabling relatively easy installation and adjustment compared to permanent fixation methods
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
Effectively inhibits the utensil tray from shifting when the drawer is opened or closed, ensuring stable storage and easy adjustment for different drawer and tray sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member, positioned between the first end of the tube and the second end of the sleeve, compressing the feet against the drawer and the tray
Data Source
AI summary
A cylindrical stop assembly for inhibiting a utensil tray from shifting in a drawer includes a sleeve. A first foot is removably attachable to the sleeve to abut an end of a drawer in which the sleeve is positioned. A tube is slidably positioned in the sleeve such that the sleeve and the tube have a telescopic combined length. In this way the sleeve and the tube can extend between the end of a drawer and an end of a utensil tray positioned in the drawer. A second foot is removably attachable to the tube to abut the end of the utensil tray.