Adjustable table assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Setting up and rearranging tables for meetings is labor-intensive and space-consuming, often resulting in injuries and frequent setup/takedown due to the weight and size of tables.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable table assembly with a pivotally adjustable top member, movement guide brackets, and locking members that allow the table to transition between a usage position (horizontal) and a storage position (vertical) without adjusting legs, using casters for mobility and a mechanism that prevents angular movement when locked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tables are made heavy and large to provide sufficient meeting space, then meeting capacity is improved, but labor intensity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The table top is designed to be dynamically adjustable between horizontal (meeting) and vertical (storage) positions through a hinge mechanism. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same table structure to serve different functions, reducing the need for multiple heavy tables while maintaining meeting capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The table utilizes vertical space by allowing the top to rotate into a vertical storage position. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical orientation enables compact storage and reduces floor space requirements without compromising the table's functionality when needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tables are made heavy to maintain stability during use, then stability is improved, but ease of movement and setup deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The table employs a dynamic hinge mechanism with locking members that enable easy transition between stable horizontal and compact vertical positions. The locking members ensure stability during use while the hinge mechanism facilitates effortless movement and reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
A hinge component acts as an intermediary mechanism between the table top and legs, providing controlled movement and stable positioning. This intermediary element enables easy adjustment while maintaining structural integrity and stability during both use and storage phases.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tables are set up for meetings, then meeting functionality is provided, but space consumption increases requiring frequent takedown
Solution Approach 1:
The table's dynamic design allows it to transition from a space-consuming horizontal meeting position to a compact vertical storage position. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same table to provide full meeting functionality when needed while occupying minimal space during storage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the vertical dimension for storage positioning, the table reduces its horizontal footprint significantly. The ability to rotate the top vertically allows the table to maintain meeting functionality while consuming minimal floor space when not in use.
4Productivity
If multiple tables are kept available for meetings, then meeting readiness is improved, but space requirements and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each table is designed as a multi-functional unit that can serve as a meeting table when horizontal and a storage unit when vertical. This universality allows a single table to replace multiple dedicated tables, improving meeting readiness while reducing total space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical storage position allows tables to be nested or stacked efficiently, similar to a nested doll structure. This nesting capability enables multiple tables to occupy minimal space when not in use, while maintaining full functionality when deployed for meetings.
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
Significantly reduces labor and space requirements, allowing for quick setup and storage of multiple tables in a smaller area while maintaining stability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The table may include wheels, which can help to move the table around in the usage position or the storage position.
Implementation Method 2
at least one hinge component coupled to the top member and at least one of the first leg or the second leg
Implementation Method 3
the locking member is configured to automatically move into the first locking portion after the top member moves from the second position to the first position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system for an adjustable table assembly that can be positioned in as storage and a usage position. The table assembly can include one or more legs supporting a table. The table assembly uses one or more movement control brackets and one or more locking members to secure the table in the usage position and the storage position. The bracket has a defined path that is followed by the locking member as the table is moved between the usage position and the storage position. When the table is in the usage position or the storage position, the locking member moves into a locking position within a corresponding locking portion of the bracket. When the locking member is in the locking position, movement of the table is substantially prevented. Specifically, angular movement of the tabletop is prevented. A user can move the locking member out of the locking portion and into a movement portion of the movement control bracket. When the locking member is positioned within the movement portion, the tabletop can move from the usage position to the storage position, and visa-versa.