Adjustable Armrest End Table With Friction-Fit Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end tables lack a practical and secure method to attach to armrests of furniture, limiting their usability and stability for holding articles like drink and snack containers near users.
Innovation Solution
A rigid plate with perpendicularly extending arms, one of which is slidably positioned to create a sizable gap for armrest insertion, and frictionally couples to the armrest, allowing the plate to securely hold articles on its top surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing end tables use simple attachment methods, then ease of manufacture is improved, but stability and security of attachment to armrests deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The end table employs adjustable arms with multiple positioning holes that allow dynamic adjustment to different armrest thicknesses. The arms can be positioned at various heights and angles, providing adaptability while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable attachment across different furniture types without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates variable parameters including adjustable arm positions, selectable attachment heights, and configurable gap sizes. These parameter changes allow the same end table structure to adapt to different armrest dimensions and configurations, achieving both ease of manufacture (using a standardized design) and reliability (through proper adjustment to match specific armrest characteristics).
2Manufacturing precision
If end tables are designed with fixed structures, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different armrest sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The end table structure is segmented into modular components including adjustable arms, positionable support elements, and separable attachment mechanisms. Each component can be independently manufactured with standard precision, then assembled and adjusted to fit different armrest sizes. This segmentation maintains manufacturing precision while enabling versatility across various furniture types.
Solution Approach 2:
The end table is designed as a universal attachment that can accommodate multiple armrest configurations through its adjustable components. The same basic structure serves different functions by repositioning arms and adjusting gap sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized designs and maintaining consistent manufacturing standards across all applications.
3Device complexity
If end tables use simple attachment mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but usability and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism incorporates pre-positioned holes, slots, and alignment features that guide the adjustment process. These preliminary structural elements enable users to quickly find and set the correct positions without complex procedures, maintaining simplicity while improving usability and stability of attachment to various armrests.
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 provides a stable and versatile attachment to armrests, enabling the plate to securely position articles like drink and snack containers close to users, enhancing usability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The arms are configured to frictionally couple to opposing faces of the armrest to couple the plate to the armrest
Data Source
AI summary
An end table for attaching to an armrest includes a plate that is rigid. A pair of arms is coupled longitudinally to and extends perpendicularly from a bottom of the plate. The arms are both parallel to opposing sides of the plate and define a gap between the arms. At least one of the arms is slidably positionable relative to the opposing sides so that the gap is selectively sizable. The gap is configured to insert an armrest of a piece of furniture, such as a chair and a couch. The arms are configured to frictionally couple to opposing faces of the armrest to couple the plate to the armrest. The plate is configured to position articles, such as a drink container and a snack container, on a top of the plate proximate to a user who is seated on the piece of furniture.