Attachable Foldable Tray to Bridge Wheelchair-Inaccessible Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many restaurants lack wheelchair-accessible tables, making it difficult for individuals in wheelchairs to access and use the tabletop due to insufficient space and uncomfortable positioning.
Innovation Solution
A foldable and attachable multi-use table tray with a first and second portion that can be configured in an expanded configuration, featuring a removably attachable clamp or hinge system, allowing the tray to bridge the gap between the wheelchair and the table, enabling comfortable access to the table surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard table is used, then the table structure remains simple and stable, but individuals in wheelchairs cannot access the tabletop due to insufficient space and uncomfortable positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is divided into a first tray portion and a second tray portion that can be separately attached to the tabletop, allowing the system to adapt to wheelchair users without modifying the entire table structure. This segmentation enables partial adaptation while preserving the original table's simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachable tray serves as an intermediary device between the wheelchair user and the tabletop, bridging the accessibility gap without requiring modifications to either the table or the wheelchair. The tray with attaching portion creates a new accessible surface that mediates the interaction between user and table.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the tray portions are permanently attached, then the structure is more stable, but the tray cannot be adjusted or removed when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The attaching portion enables dynamic reconfiguration of the tray system - it can be attached when accessibility is needed and detached when not needed. The first and second tray portions can be selectively attached and detached from the tabletop, providing both stability during use and flexibility for storage or alternative configurations.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed table height is used, then the table structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate wheelchair users who need adjusted positioning
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tray into attachable portions rather than modifying the entire table, the solution provides height and position adjustment for accessibility without complicating the main table structure. The tray creates a secondary accessible surface at the needed height.
4Area of moving object
If the tray is made fully expandable, then it provides more surface area, but it becomes more complex and harder to store
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is segmented into first and second portions that can be attached separately, providing expandable surface area when needed while maintaining simplicity when portions are detached. This segmentation allows the tray to grow from a single portion to multiple portions based on accessibility needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable design allows tray portions to nest within each other or collapse into a compact form when not in use, reducing storage space requirements while maintaining full surface area when deployed for accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first tray portion and a second tray portion able to be configured with the first tray portion in an expanded tray configuration. Moreover, an attaching portion (e.g., a clamp) is coupled to at least one of the first and second tray portions and is adapted to be removably attached to a tabletop. Such an arrangement may help a person in a wheelchair utilize the tabletop even when the wheelchair is unable to fit under the tabletop.