Under cabinet knife storage unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing under cabinet knife storage solutions do not provide a multifunctional, sanitary, and aesthetically pleasing option that allows for full view storage, easy cleaning, and versatility in use, as they often occupy counter space, hide items from view, or require damaging walls for installation.
Innovation Solution
A board positioned under the cabinet with a spring hinge mechanism for easy access, using neodymium disk-shaped magnets encased in PLA brackets for secure storage, which are removable for cleaning and to enable functions like a cookbook holder or electronics charging station, and can be manufactured in various colors and finishes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If knives are stored in a knife block with slots, then they are securely stored, but they occupy precious counter space and are hidden from view
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit transitions from occupying horizontal counter space to utilizing vertical space under the cabinet. The board can be lowered from a retracted position under the cabinet to a visible position, moving the storage function to a different spatial dimension while maintaining security and accessibility
2Reliability
If knives are stored in a knife block, then they are securely stored, but mold and bacteria can grow in the crevices
Solution Approach 1:
The design eliminates the crevices and hidden spaces between knife blades and block walls by using a magnetic board surface. Knives are stored on the open surface of the board rather than in enclosed slots, removing the environment that promotes mold and bacteria growth while maintaining secure storage through magnetic attraction
Solution Approach 2:
The board surface provides an open, non-porous storage surface compared to the enclosed slot structure. This open surface design prevents the accumulation of moisture and organic matter in crevices, making it resistant to mold and bacteria growth while still providing secure knife storage
3Ease of operation
If a magnetic bar is mounted to the wall, then knives are visible, but walls or backsplashes must be damaged for installation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly mounting to the wall or backsplash, the system uses the cabinet structure as an intermediary mounting surface. The board attaches to the underside of the cabinet, which provides a stable, non-damaging installation point while still achieving the desired visibility and storage function
4Ease of operation
If knives are stored in an in-drawer unit, then they are hidden from view, but they take up precious drawer space and are hard to select
Solution Approach 1:
The storage function is moved from horizontal drawer space to vertical space under the cabinet. The board can be lowered to provide full visibility of all stored items at once, eliminating the need to dig through drawer contents while using space that would otherwise be unused
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
The solution provides a sanitary, space-efficient, and versatile storage unit that keeps items in full view, is easy to clean, and can be used for multiple purposes, such as a cookbook holder or charging station, without damaging walls, while being aesthetically pleasing and utilizing biodegradable materials.
Implementation Method 1
The invention uses neodymium disk-shaped magnets encased in rectangular shaped elongated PLA brackets to securely hold reasonably magnetically susceptible items such as knives, scissors, screw drivers, or comparable items
Implementation Method 2
A board positioned under the cabinet with a spring hinge mechanism for easy access
Data Source
AI summary
An under the cabinet knife storage unit with a knife storage board with a planar top surface and a number of inlaid neodymium disk-shaped magnets that act as contact points for removable PLA brackets; removable PLA (or equivalent material) brackets with inlaid neodymium disk-shaped magnets; and a mounting bracket arrangement for mounting the knife storage board under a kitchen cabinet. The mounting bracket arrangement alternating between an extended position for the knife storage board and a retracted position for the knife storage board. The extended position being at least four inches forward of the retracted position. In the extended position, the knife storage board lies at an angle of between 15 degrees and 60 degrees from the knife storage board in the retracted position.