Under cabinet/shelf storage rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wine storage solutions are bulky, inefficiently use space, and lack the ability to be folded or mounted underneath refrigerator shelves or cabinets, making them unsuitable for limited kitchen spaces and insecure for wine bottles.
Innovation Solution
A foldable rack system with elongated brackets, cradle members, and straps that can be attached under shelves, allowing for storage and separation of wine bottles and small items, featuring pivotable cradles, anti-tip tabs, and adjustable mounting options for secure and space-efficient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multiple level racks are used for wine storage, then wine bottles can be stored horizontally, but the racks occupy large amounts of countertop space or under-shelf space
Solution Approach 1:
The rack incorporates a foldable design where the cradle members can pivot between a deployed storage position and a folded-away position. This dynamic structure allows the rack to occupy minimal space when not in use while providing secure horizontal storage when deployed, directly resolving the contradiction between storage security and space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack utilizes the vertical dimension by mounting to the underside of shelves or cabinets, transforming the available storage space from horizontal countertop area to vertical under-shelf space. This dimensional transition allows wine bottles to be stored securely without occupying valuable countertop real estate.
2Reliability
If hanging racks are used for wine bottles, then bottles can be stored horizontally, but the racks extend a substantial distance below mounting surfaces taking up undesirable amounts of space
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable cradle members pivot to a compact position when not in use, dramatically reducing the vertical extension below the mounting surface. This dynamic collapse capability allows the rack to maintain secure bottle storage when needed while minimizing space occupation during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle members nest against the mounting brackets when folded, with the storage elements collapsing into a compact configuration that minimizes the overall vertical profile. This nesting arrangement ensures the rack extends minimally below the shelf when storage is not required.
3Productivity
If wine bottles are stored in upright positions inside cabinets, then shelf space is utilized, but bottles are hard to retrieve and take up large vertical amounts of shelf space
Solution Approach 1:
The rack transitions bottle storage from vertical upright positioning to horizontal laying position by utilizing the underside of shelves. This dimensional change allows bottles to be stored in a compact horizontal arrangement that maximizes shelf space utilization while enabling easy front-facing access for retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of storing bottles vertically on the shelf surface, the rack inverts the storage approach by mounting to the shelf underside and extending cradles downward to hold bottles horizontally. This inverted configuration optimizes both space utilization and retrieval ease by presenting bottle access at the front.
4Reliability
If conventional racks are used for wine storage, then bottles can be stored, but the racks cannot be folded upward when not being used
Solution Approach 1:
The rack incorporates pivot joints that enable the cradle members to rotate between a deployed storage configuration and a folded-away compact configuration. This dynamic mechanism maintains full wine bottle storage capability when needed while reducing space occupation to minimal levels when the rack is not in use.
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 foldable rack system provides secure, space-efficient storage for wine bottles and small items, allowing for easy installation under shelves and cabinets, addressing the bulkiness and space inefficiency of prior art while ensuring bottles are stored safely and accessibly.
Implementation Method 1
a first cradle member having a left end and a right end, the left end of the first cradle member being pivotally attached to the first elongated bracket
Data Source
AI summary
Rack systems, devices, and methods for attaching and providing foldable storage racks underneath refrigerator shelves or cabinets or other shelves for suspending, storing and separating wine bottles and beverage cans and plates. The storage racks can include a plurality of bail cradles each having ends pivotally attached to brackets. The bail cradles can have concave support surfaces for supporting and separating bottles and cans. The bail cradles can have ribbed upper surfaces for allowing a shelf/tray to slide thereon. The racks can have pivotal vertical legs with a slide out drawer on lower ends of the legs. The racks can be used for storing other items such as computer keyboards and the like, used with desks, tables, and the like.