Adjustable Table-Mounted Tray for Stable Assisted Eating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with stiff necks or backs face difficulties in eating due to limited mobility, making it challenging to see food and handle utensils effectively, as existing solutions do not provide a stable and adjustable means to facilitate meal consumption.
Innovation Solution
A table-mounted device with an adjustable and lockable tray system that allows for elevated placement of plates, glasses, and cutlery, featuring a clamp mechanism for secure attachment and a pivotable tray design for customizable positioning, enabling comfortable eating without requiring significant force for assembly or disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed table-mounted tray system is used, then the tray position is stable, but it cannot be adjusted to accommodate different user needs and eating positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tray system with multiple adjustment mechanisms. The tray can be positioned at different heights along a vertical guide rail and locked at various positions. The support structure includes movable components that allow the tray to transition between fixed and adjustable states, enabling users to customize the eating position while maintaining stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing of positional parameters through adjustment mechanisms. The tray's vertical position can be modified by moving it along the guide rail, and angular orientation can be changed through pivot joints. These parameter changes enable adaptation to different user requirements while the locking mechanisms ensure the parameters remain fixed during meal consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustment mechanism is added to allow tray movement, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is divided into separate functional modules: a guide rail system for vertical movement, independent locking mechanisms for position fixation, and pivot joints for angular adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function simply, reducing overall complexity while providing comprehensive adjustability. The modular design also facilitates easy assembly and maintenance.
3Reliability
If a secure clamp mechanism is used to firmly attach the device to the table, then reliability improves, but ease of installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism features a dynamic locking system that transitions between a relaxed installation state and a secured operational state. During installation, the clamp can be easily opened and positioned on the table. Once positioned, the locking mechanism engages to provide firm attachment. This dynamic behavior allows the clamp to be both easy to install and reliable during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-securing through simple user actions. The clamp includes features such as spring-loaded locking elements or cam-based mechanisms that automatically engage when the tray is positioned, requiring minimal user effort to secure. Similarly, release mechanisms allow easy disengagement without requiring complex tools or procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A device to be attached to the edge of a table comprises a table clamp provided with a vertical hole in which one leg of an angled tube is fastened. The other leg of the tube is horizontal and has at its outer end a tray mount, which receives in a pivotable, fixable and removable manner a centrally situated vertical pivot pin on the underside of a tray on which food and beverages can be placed. By pivoting the tube in the table clamp and the tray in the tray mount the tray can be placed in the desired position and at the desired angle while allowing the table clamp to be positioned out of the way. By displacing and fastening the tube in the table clamp the tray can be vertically adjusted to permit a user to eat in comfort with the food within sight.