Collapsible Multi-Shelf Table With Linked Leg Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding tables with multiple working surfaces are not efficiently designed for easy conversion between open and closed positions, lacking a mechanism for simultaneous upright positioning of legs and supports, which complicates storage and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A folding table design featuring an upper panel, a lower panel, and swingably articulated legs, with supports that shift between collapsed and erect positions, utilizing a cam and follower arrangement for leg movement and latching mechanisms for secure positions, and optional integration of a vise for added functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the table uses separate mechanisms for legs and supports, then the structure is more stable, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the leg support mechanism and support arm mechanism into a single integrated linkage system. The legs and support arms share common pivot points and linkage elements, allowing both components to be deployed and stabilized simultaneously through one motion sequence, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed to automatically coordinate the deployment of legs and support arms through gravity-assisted motion and mechanical linkage. When the table is deployed, the weight of the tabletop automatically drives the legs outward while simultaneously raising the support arms, eliminating the need for separate manual operations and reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If the table uses multiple separate mechanisms for legs and supports, then the positioning is more reliable, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the leg deployment mechanism and support arm mechanism into a single coordinated system. Both components are actuated through the same motion input, ensuring that they reach their positioned states simultaneously and reliably through a single operational action, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining positioning reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism is pre-configured with fixed pivot points and arm lengths that automatically guide the legs and support arms to their correct positioned states. This preliminary mechanical configuration ensures that once the deployment motion begins, both components will reliably reach their intended positions without requiring additional control inputs.
3Volume of moving object
If the panels are in full contact in closed position, then the storage volume is reduced, but the ease of operation for separation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the separation function from manual operation by incorporating release mechanisms that automatically disengage the panels when deployed. The linkage system is designed so that the deployment motion automatically pulls the panels apart from their contact position in the closed state, reducing the effort required for separation while maintaining compact storage volume.
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
Enables seamless conversion between open and closed positions with legs and supports adjusting automatically, facilitating easy storage and deployment, while the vise enhances utility with secure clamping capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The arrangement, according to one embodiment, is a cam and follower arrangement, wherein the cam is in the form of an inclined plane projecting from the top surface of the lower panel, and the follower is in the form of hooked member projecting from the top of each leg.
Implementation Method 2
when converting the table to the open position, the bottom panel is displaced away from the top panel by gravity, thereby entailing shifting of the legs to their upright position
Implementation Method 3
Each leg is shiftable between an upright position and stowed position... the supports extend between corresponding edges of the panels, and each comprises an upper portion and a lower portion hingedly articulated to each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding table comprises an upper panel, a lower panel, and a plurality of legs swingably articulated to the upper panel. The table is collapsible between an open position, in which the panels are separated, and a closed position, in which the panels are adjacent. Displacement of the lower panel into the open position entails deployment of the legs into a substantially upright position supporting the table in its open position.