Billiard Table Storage Compartment Mating Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of billiard ball storage compartments on billiard tables are challenging due to screws being located in inaccessible areas, requiring assistance and tools, and complicating the process of replacing felt surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The integration of mating connectors between the billiard table frame and storage compartment allows for easy installation, removal, and reinstallation without external tools, using a 'hooking' mechanism that secures the compartment in place during screw installation, eliminating the need for additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used to secure the billiard ball storage compartment to the frame, then the compartment can be firmly attached, but the screws are located in inaccessible areas making installation and removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from traditional screws and relocates it to accessible positions. The fastening elements are taken out from inaccessible areas and integrated into the ball storage compartment itself, allowing users to access and operate them from convenient positions outside the table frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a fastening element that extends from the ball storage compartment through the frame to the other side. This intermediary component mediates between the storage compartment and the frame, providing secure attachment while maintaining accessibility for the user.
2Strength
If multiple screws are used to secure the billiard ball storage compartment, then the attachment is more secure, but additional assistance is required to support the compartment during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service installation by designing the fastening system to be operable from accessible positions. The fastening elements are integrated into the ball storage compartment, allowing a single user to secure or remove the compartment without requiring another person to support it during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fastening function into multiple independent fastening elements distributed around the compartment perimeter. Each fastening element can be operated independently, allowing the compartment to be secured with multiple attachment points while maintaining simplicity of operation for each individual fastener.
3Strength
If screws are used to attach the billiard ball storage compartment, then the compartment can be securely fixed, but the same screws must be removed and reinstalled when replacing the felt surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening elements from the frame structure and relocates them to the ball storage compartment. This allows the fastening mechanism to be removed together with the ball storage compartment as a single unit when replacing the felt surface, eliminating the need to separately remove and reinstall screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the ball storage compartment and its fastening elements into a single integrated assembly. When the felt surface needs replacement, both the compartment and fasteners are removed together, and then reinstalled together, reducing the total number of discrete assembly operations required.
Data Source
AI summary
A billiard table and billiard ball storage compartment with mating connectors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a billiard table is provided comprising a frame comprising a first connector, a playing surface supported by the frame, and a billiard ball storage compartment comprising a second connector, wherein the second connector is configured to mate with the first connector when the billiard ball storage compartment is moved into a first position with respect to the frame. In exemplary embodiments, the billiard ball storage compartment comprises a ball storage box and/or a ball receiver box.