Adjustable Height Table Base with Gravity-Operated Transport Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table transport mechanisms often require multiple people to move substantial or heavy tables, are difficult to operate, and may not accommodate different flooring conditions, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage during transport.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable height table base with a transport mechanism that includes a caster assembly and an extension assembly operable under the force of gravity, allowing the table to be moved between grounded, low, and high transport positions without tools, and accommodating various flooring conditions by tilting radially about the table, with multiple casters for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a table has substantial size or weight, then it provides adequate functionality, but multiple people are needed to move it
Solution Approach 1:
The table base incorporates a transport mechanism that can dynamically change the table's support configuration between a stationary grounded position and a mobile transport position with casters, allowing the same heavy table to be easily moved when needed
Solution Approach 2:
Casters are introduced as intermediary elements between the table base and the floor, enabling heavy tables to be moved with minimal effort by converting sliding friction into rolling friction
2Ease of operation
If a single retractable caster is used, then manual transport is facilitated, but the table cannot accommodate different flooring conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The single caster is divided into multiple separate casters (at least two, preferably three or more) that can be independently deployed, allowing the table to adapt to different flooring conditions and provide stable support during transport
3Stability of the object's composition
If the caster is positioned directly below the center of gravity, then the table can be held in a poised condition, but the extension assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The extension assembly uses a telescopic design with multiple segments that can extend and retract along the longitudinal axis, providing the necessary reach to position casters at optimal locations while maintaining structural efficiency
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
Enables single-person operation of moving heavy tables efficiently across different surfaces without damage, as the mechanism automatically adjusts to support the table weight through casters, minimizing jarring and scratching risks, and can be retrofitted to existing tables.
Implementation Method 1
The extension assembly is operable under force of gravity and used by lifting or tilting anywhere radially about the table at selected distances
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an adjustable height table base with a transport mechanism, and in particular to a transport mechanism selectably operable in a grounded position, a low transport position and a high transport position. The table has a base that is adjustable in length with a crank. A top is supported by a table frame, which allows the top to be locked in a horizontal or vertical position. Four legs can be provided each having a pad at a distal end. A transport mechanism is also provided. The transport mechanism has a caster assembly with four casters and has an extension assembly that is extendable along its longitudinal axis to move that table between the grounded position, low transport position and high transport position. The extension assembly is operable under force of gravity and used by lifting or tilting anywhere radially about the table at selected distances.