Horizontally Adjustable Tabletop Locking for Easy Couch Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tables require the entire base to be moved away from a couch or bench to allow comfortable standing, making it difficult for individuals to access and exit, especially when the table is positioned close to seating.
Innovation Solution
A table with a horizontally adjustable table top and a locking device featuring a vertically movable braking element that can be actuated from the top, allowing the table top to be fixed in position without needing to bend down, and optionally incorporating a turntable and telescopic lifting column for height and horizontal adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire base is moved away from the couch to allow standing clearance, then user mobility is improved, but the table structure becomes more complex and harder to position
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into two independent parts: a fixed base and a movable table top. The base remains stationary and simple in structure, while only the table top is made adjustable horizontally. This segmentation allows users to gain mobility clearance without complicating the overall table structure, as only the necessary moving components are modified.
2Device complexity
If operating elements are arranged below the table top, then the locking mechanism is simplified, but users must bend down to operate them which reduces ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the actuating element below the table top as in conventional designs, the locking device is inverted so that the actuating element (turntable) is positioned on top of the table top. Users can easily reach and operate the locking mechanism from above without bending down, while the braking element that performs the actual locking function remains positioned below to engage with the base plate.
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 easy and comfortable adjustment of the table top in both horizontal directions without moving the entire base, improving usability and accessibility, particularly beneficial for low-height coffee tables.
Implementation Method 1
a vertically movable braking element which, in the horizontal direction according to the relative movement between table top and pedestal, is movable relative to a flat, horizontal part of a base plate and which is located at a vertical distance from the base plate when the locking device is released and can be adjusted to a position in which between the braking element and the base plate is a force fit or form fit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The table has a base (12), a table plate (10) horizontally adjusted to the base and a locking device (20) for fixing the table plate in its horizontal position. The locking device clamps the table plate. The locking device is actuated by an upper side of the table plate.