Retractable Vertical Cabinet Lift Assist for Upper Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems, such as pull-out shelving and wall cabinet fillers, often require the use of step stools or extending poles to access upper storage areas, which are inconvenient, hazardous, and occupy valuable space, failing to effectively utilize generally unreachable or difficult-to-reach storage spaces.
Innovation Solution
A retractable vertical cabinet system with pivoting support members and a lift assist mechanism, such as springs or electric actuators, that allows for variable height and extension, enabling easy access to upper storage areas while maintaining compactness and security, and can be integrated into custom cabinetry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pull-out shelving systems and wall cabinet fillers are used to store items in small cabinet spaces, then storage capacity is improved, but accessibility to upper portions deteriorates requiring step stools or elevating assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to extend outward and downward on pivoting support members. This transforms a static high-position cabinet into a dynamic structure that can be positioned at various heights and locations, enabling users to access contents without step stools while maintaining increased storage capacity in previously unreachable spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds vertical and horizontal movement dimensions to the cabinet system. By incorporating pivoting support members that enable both outward extension and downward movement, the cabinet operates in multiple spatial dimensions rather than being fixed in one position, thereby improving accessibility without sacrificing storage capacity
2Ease of operation
If step stools or extending poles are used to access upper storage areas, then accessibility is improved, but safety deteriorates due to hazard of dropping items and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting support members act as intermediaries between the user and the cabinet contents. Instead of using external tools like step stools or poles that create safety hazards, the support members provide a controlled, integrated mechanism that safely bridges the gap between the user's reach and the upper storage areas, eliminating the risk of dropping items from unstable positions
Solution Approach 2:
The cabinet system is self-contained with integrated pivoting support members that provide all necessary functionality for access. The system serves itself by incorporating the movement mechanism within the cabinet structure, eliminating the need for external assistance devices and their associated safety risks
3Ease of operation
If step stools or extending poles are used to reach high items, then accessibility is improved, but storage space utilization deteriorates as these objects occupy valuable space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the accessibility function with the storage structure itself. The pivoting support members are integrated into the cabinet system, combining the support function with the storage framework. This eliminates the need for separate external objects like step stools, thereby improving accessibility while maximizing storage space utilization by removing redundant elements
4Ease of operation
If a retractable vertical cabinet with pivoting support members is implemented, then accessibility to upper storage areas is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lift assist mechanism uses springs or counterweights to balance the cabinet's weight, reducing the effort required to move it. This mechanical assistance simplifies the operation of the pivoting support members, allowing users to easily extend and retract the cabinet without requiring excessive force, thereby managing device complexity through mechanical advantage
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 system provides safe, convenient, and efficient access to previously unreachable storage areas without the need for external assistance, utilizing space effectively and accommodating various load types, while ensuring secure closure.
Implementation Method 1
A retractable vertical cabinet system with pivoting support members and a lift assist mechanism, such as springs or electric actuators
Implementation Method 2
pivoting support members and a lift assist mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system for storing contents is provided. The storage system includes a retractable vertical cabinet having a handle, at least a first and second pivoting support member pivotally attached to at least an exterior side of the retractable vertical cabinet and a support structure. The storage system further includes an electric actuator movement, a lift adjuster and a rotating adjustment screw threadably connected allowing for adjustment of a lift assist mechanism, which is connected to the first pivoting support member and the lift adjuster, to accommodate for varied loads.