Modular Collapsible Bar Assembly for Stable Temporary Serving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temporary bars set up for social functions are often unstable and lack a professional, organized environment for serving drinks, as they are typically arranged from trestles and planks with a large tablecloth, which does not provide adequate stability or aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible bar design featuring adjustable stainless steel frame support members with releasably latched surface elements, allowing for customizable and interchangeable work and shelf surfaces, along with a bar-top and screen wall that can be easily assembled and disassembled for stability and aesthetic enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a temporary bar is arranged from trestles and planks with a tablecloth, then it can be easily set up for social functions, but it is unstable and does not provide a professional or attractive environment
Solution Approach 1:
The bar structure is divided into modular components including separate uprights, cross-members, and surface elements that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows for easy setup while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar structure incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as repositionable cross-members and interchangeable surface elements that can be adapted to different spatial requirements. This dynamic design enables the bar to maintain stability while being easily reconfigured for various event settings.
2Ease of manufacture
If a temporary bar is arranged from trestles and planks with a tablecloth, then it can be quickly assembled, but it does not provide a suitably organised environment for serving different drinks
Solution Approach 1:
The bar structure is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions. Surface elements can be interchangeably positioned to create different serving zones, storage areas, or display sections. The standardized modular design allows the same basic structure to adapt to various organizational requirements for different types of events and serving needs.
3Reliability
If a permanent bar structure is used, then it provides stability and professional appearance, but it cannot be easily moved or stored when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The bar is divided into discrete modular units that can be easily disassembled and stored. Each module maintains the structural characteristics of a permanent bar when assembled, but can be quickly broken down into transportable components when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure incorporates dynamic assembly and disassembly mechanisms that allow the bar to transition between a stable, permanent-like state during use and a portable, storable state when not needed. Quick-connect joints and repositionable elements enable rapid transformation between these states.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a collapsible bar with multiple components is used, then it provides customization and professional appearance, but it increases the complexity of assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The bar is segmented into standardized modules with consistent connection interfaces. This standardization reduces assembly complexity despite the presence of multiple components, as each module connects to others through uniform mechanisms rather than requiring unique assembly procedures for each component.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible bar (10) includes first and second support members (12), a surface element (14), and members for releasably latching the surface element (14) to the first and second support members (12). Preferably, the releasable latching members include an elongate channel (36) on each support member (12) and two skirt-portions (38) on the surface element (14). Each skirt-portion (38) is receivable in a respective elongate channel (36) as a close fit.