A table having a heating appliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing outdoor heating tables face issues such as heat conduction damaging the table top, difficult operation for seated individuals, and accessibility challenges for people in wheelchairs due to design limitations in heating appliance placement and control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A table design featuring a heating appliance holder with gaps to reduce heat conduction, an actuator system for easy control, and a cantilevering table top that allows wheelchair accessibility, along with removable table top portions for storage and a flue exhaust for emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the heating appliance holder is in direct contact with the table top, then the heating appliance is securely supported, but heat is conducted to the table top causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidheat conduction damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating appliance holder acts as an intermediary component between the heating appliance and the table top, with gaps strategically positioned to block heat conduction paths while maintaining structural support. The holder's design includes vertical and horizontal gaps that prevent thermal contact while preserving mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is segmented into multiple parts with gaps between them, creating a discontinuous structure that interrupts heat flow. The holder main body is divided by vertical gaps, and the table top holder is separated by horizontal gaps, forming a segmented barrier against heat conduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the control mechanism is placed underneath the table top, then the heating appliance can be controlled, but it becomes difficult to operate when seated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoidactuator placement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control mechanism is repositioned from a horizontal plane underneath the table top to a vertical arrangement where the actuator extends upward. This dimensional change allows users to access controls from above while seated, improving ergonomics without adding complex mechanisms.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing the actuator underneath the table top as in conventional designs, the actuator is inverted to extend above the holder main body. This inversion makes the control accessible from the opposite direction, solving the accessibility problem for seated users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the table top is fixed directly to the holder, then structural stability is maintained, but wheelchair accessibility is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetable stabilityVSAvoidwheelchair accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The table top is segmented into removable portions that can be detached from the holder. This segmentation allows the table configuration to be adapted for wheelchair accessibility by removing portions that would obstruct access, while maintaining stability when portions are in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The table top configuration transitions from static and fixed to dynamic and adjustable. Removable table top portions enable the structure to adapt between different usage scenarios - providing stability when assembled and accessibility when portions are removed for wheelchair users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively prevents table top damage, facilitates easy operation and accessibility, and creates a warm, visually appealing ambience while allowing easy storage and use.

Implementation Method 1

a fire box with a fire box chamber and a chamber opening at a top of said fire box for placing inside said fire box combustible fuel, such as wood or charcoal, with which said heating appliance is used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

said heating appliance holder comprising a holder main body, and a table top holder for holding said table top, characterized in that said heating appliance includes a fire door for closing said opening; said heating appliance includes a second air inlet for supplying an air flow to said fire box chamber for combusting said combustible fuel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3971477B1A table having a heating appliance
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 THE CASHMERE CAVEMAN CO WILD KITCHENS LTD
  • EP3971477B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3971477B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3971477B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A table (1) comprises a table top (4), a heating appliance (3), and a heating appliance holder (2) holding the heating appliance (3). The heating appliance holder (2) comprises a holder main body (7) and a table top holder (8) for holding the table top (4), the table top holder (8) being spaced apart from the holder main body (7) by at least one gap (20).