Folding Billiard Table Safety Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding billiard tables can experience accidental unfolding or folding due to incomplete locking mechanisms, posing safety risks, especially when children are nearby, as the structure may not fully engage locking systems, leading to spontaneous movements that can cause injuries.
Innovation Solution
A folding billiard table with a tower of strips and a deformable configuration structure that includes stop means to prevent spontaneous folding or unfolding, featuring a male hinge system with offset articulation and a spring mechanism to ensure secure locking in both horizontal and vertical positions, along with automatic engagement of safety devices to control movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If locking mechanisms are distributed throughout the folding structure to ensure stability in both playing and storage positions, then the structural stability is improved, but the complexity of the locking system increases and may prevent complete folding movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two distinct types: rigid locking mechanisms distributed throughout the structure for stability, and a single central stop means located at the folding axis for enabling complete folding movement. This segmentation allows each locking system to perform its specific function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The central stop means acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the rigid locking mechanisms and the folding movement. It provides the necessary clearance to allow the table to fold completely while the rigid locks remain engaged, resolving the conflict between stability and foldability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid locking mechanisms are engaged during folding operations, then the table structure is stabilized, but the table cannot complete the folding movement to reach the storage position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented between rigid locks positioned away from the folding axis and a central stop means positioned at the folding axis. This allows the rigid locks to maintain structural stability while the central stop enables the complete folding movement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding-enabling function is extracted from the distributed rigid locking mechanisms and concentrated in a single central stop means. This allows the rigid locks to focus solely on providing structural stability without interfering with the folding movement.
3Reliability
If the table allows incomplete folding movements, then the locking mechanisms remain engaged, but the table may unfold spontaneously or fold unintentionally under load
Solution Approach 1:
The central stop means is positioned to engage before the rigid locking mechanisms would disengage during folding. This preliminary action ensures that the table completes the folding movement smoothly and then locks securely, preventing spontaneous unfolding or accidental folding under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop means automatically engages and disengages based on the table's position during folding operations, providing self-regulating safety without requiring external control. The mechanism itself ensures complete folding movement and secure locking.
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 enhanced safety by preventing accidental movements and ensuring the table remains securely locked in both playing and storage positions, reducing the risk of injury and maintaining stability with a compact folded structure.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (26) to exert pressure on the pin of the male hinge
Implementation Method 2
The stop means then comprise the male hinge pins in the housings of the female hinge
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for a folding billiard table, for pocket billiards or for carom billiards, allowing the storage thereof in a reduced space. The innovative invention relates to a device for unfolding and folding the two table halves of the playing surface, hinged to the portable structure, with no risk of injury. The cloth, which is attached to a modular tension system during the movements, loosens upon folding and becomes taut again upon unfolding. The mobile structure follows the movements of the table halves and is hinged to either side of a mechanism that ensures symmetry. The legs are provided with casters that allow the billiard table to be moved, as well as height-adjustable locking skids for levelling the playing table. The device according to the invention is perfectly suitable for use in multi-purpose rooms and, according to the choice of the material of the table halves, can be intended for the general public or professionals.