Games table, in particular for playing billiards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming tables with foldable tops for storage require complex mechanisms to maintain a continuous playing surface and are cumbersome to switch between use and storage positions, necessitating separate manipulations for stability and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A gaming table with a tilting mechanism allowing the top to transition between use and storage positions while maintaining a continuous playing surface, utilizing an articulation mechanism between a support frame and rolling carriage for simultaneous stability and mobility through a single tilting action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the top is designed in two parts that are articulated on the base structure to fold vertically for storage, then the table can be stored in reduced space, but complex means are required to ensure continuity of the playing surface
Solution Approach 1:
The top is divided into two separate parts (first part and second part) that can be articulated independently on the base structure. Each part can be folded vertically against the other for compact storage, while maintaining the ability to form a continuous playing surface when in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The playing surface continuity is achieved through dynamic articulation mechanisms that allow the two parts to move relative to each other. The articulation joints enable the parts to maintain proper alignment and continuity during both use and storage positions, adapting to different configurations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If feet are screwed under the base structure to ensure stability during use, then the table is stable, but the operation becomes tedious requiring separate manipulations for stability and mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The stability function and mobility function are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The articulation mechanism that enables folding also controls the deployment of support feet, so that one action simultaneously achieves both stability for use and mobility for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The support feet are designed to deploy and retract automatically as part of the folding articulation motion. When the top is folded for storage, the feet automatically retract; when unfolded for use, the feet automatically deploy, eliminating the need for separate manual operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate manipulations are required to tilt the top and adjust legs, then the mechanisms are independent, but the reliability of transition is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting mechanism and leg adjustment mechanism are merged into a single articulated system. The same joints and linkages that enable top tilting also control leg deployment, ensuring that both functions are coordinated and executed reliably as a unified transition.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the playing surface continuity is ensured by complex means in horizontal position, then the surface is continuous, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The playing surface continuity is maintained through dynamic articulation joints that automatically adjust the relative positions of the two top parts. The articulated connections allow the parts to move while maintaining proper alignment, ensuring continuity without requiring complex rigid fixing mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4~5a
AI summary
The invention relates to a games table comprising a base structure having an upper frame (7) on which a table top (1) is mounted via a mechanism for tilting about a longitudinal axis (18), the base structure comprising a floor support frame (11) and a rolling carriage (12) which are connected by an articulation mechanism (24), the table comprising at least one member (16) connecting the table top (1) and the articulation mechanism (24), the member being moved by the tilting of the table top while being designed to place the base structure in a stable configuration in which the support frame (11) is arranged on the floor below the rolling carriage (12) - or in a movement configuration in which the rolling carriage (12) is arranged on the floor below the support frame (11) - when the table top (1) is in a horizontal use position - or in a raised configuration for storage.