Under-Cabinet Rotatable Arm Storage for Countertop Space Preservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional kitchen storage solutions clutter countertops and obstruct movement, as they are often heavy, difficult to move, and do not provide additional storage without occupying valuable space.

Innovation Solution

An under-cabinet mounted storage system with a rotatable arm and angled channels that can pivot between upper and lower orientations, allowing for additional storage without obstructing kitchen movement and providing a slidable receipt for kitchen items, while being easily storable when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional storage solutions like carts and racks are used to provide additional counter space, then storage capacity is improved, but they clutter the kitchen area and obstruct movement when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidobstruction of movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system employs a rotatable arm mechanism that allows the storage unit to dynamically change position between a lowered storage configuration and an elevated retracted configuration. This dynamic positioning enables the system to provide storage capacity when needed while clearing the movement path when not in use, directly resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and obstruction of movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions the storage system from a two-dimensional horizontal footprint (traditional carts and racks occupying floor space) to a three-dimensional vertical solution. By utilizing vertical space under the cabinet and employing rotational movement, the system provides storage capacity without horizontal obstruction, eliminating the harmful effect of blocking kitchen movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If traditional carts or racks are used for additional storage, then storage space is increased, but they are heavy and difficult to move

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidease of movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable arm mechanism transforms the storage system from a static, heavy structure into a dynamic, easily repositionable unit. The rotational joint allows the entire storage assembly to be easily swung into position or retracted without requiring significant force, making the system easy to operate and reposition as needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The storage system is divided into separable components including the mounting anchor, vertical support structure, rotatable arm, and storage shelf. This segmentation allows the storage unit to be easily assembled, disassembled, and repositioned, significantly improving ease of operation compared to traditional monolithic storage solutions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If countertops are kept clear for work space, then working area is improved, but there is no place to hold items like plates, cooking sheets or lids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking areaVSAvoidstorage functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates storage functionality in the vertical dimension under the cabinet rather than requiring horizontal countertop space. This allows the countertop to remain clear for working area while the vertical support structure with angled channels provides storage for plates, cooking sheets, lids and other kitchen items

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The vertical support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the rotatable arm, offers storage capacity through angled channels for various kitchen items, and acts as a mounting mechanism. This multi-functionality provides storage versatility without compromising the countertop working area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11266235B2Under cabinet mounted shelving system
Publication Date: 2022.03.08 RINCK LANCE A
  • US11266235B2 patent drawing
  • US11266235B2 patent drawing
  • US11266235B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides an improved under cabinet mounted storage system with a one rotateable arm extending between a mounting anchor and a vertical support structure with an angled channel adapted for slidable receipt of at least one common kitchen, cooking or staging items.