Collapsible Table Support Structure for Compact Leg Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collapsible tables with longer legs than the table surface face challenges in storage, packaging, and transportation due to the legs extending awkwardly, requiring additional steps for securing them, such as wrapping ropes, which adds time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible table design featuring pivotally connected legs and support bars that can be secured to the bottom surface using integrally formed brackets, allowing the legs to collapse and be removably secured in a compact storage position, preventing rotation and enabling easy transition between use and storage positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the legs are made longer than the table surface, then the table provides adequate support and stability, but the legs extend awkwardly and occupy excessive space during storage and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The leg support structure transitions from a static extended position to a dynamic collapsible position. The legs are designed to pivot and collapse beneath the table surface, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration between use and storage states, thereby reducing storage volume while maintaining support capability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible legs are designed to nest within or alongside the table structure during storage. The legs collapse and are positioned to occupy minimal space, effectively nesting the support structure within the overall table footprint, similar to how nested dolls occupy space efficiently.
2Productivity
If conventional folding tables are used, then the table can be collapsed, but the legs must be secured using additional ropes or cords, adding complexity and time to the securing process
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is merged into the bracket structure itself. The brackets are integrated components that simultaneously provide structural support and securing capability, eliminating the need for separate ropes or cords. This consolidation reduces the number of components and simplifies the securing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket structure is designed to automatically secure the legs in place through its inherent mechanical design. The brackets engage with the legs through friction, geometry, or interlocking features, allowing the structure to self-secure without requiring additional fastening elements or complex assembly steps.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the legs are secured to the bottom surface, then the storage position is stable and compact, but the securing mechanism must be simple and quick to deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The brackets are pre-positioned and pre-configured on the table structure during manufacturing. The securing geometry is established in advance, so that during storage or assembly, the legs simply need to be positioned into the pre-designed bracket interfaces, eliminating the need for complex alignment or multiple securing steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
A collapsible supporting structure (10) includes a tabletop (12), a first pair of collapsible legs (26), and a second pair of collapsible legs (34). The second pair of legs (34) includes a first support bar (36) for connecting a third leg (33) to a fourth leg (35) and a second support bar (44) spaced apart from the second support bar (36) for connecting the third leg (33) to the fourth leg (35). One or more brackets (38) are disposed adjacent the bottom surface (16) of the tabletop (12) and are positioned and configured to removably secure the first support bar (36) to the bottom surface (16) of the tabletop (12) in a use position and removably secure the second support bar (44) to the bottom surface (16) in a storage position. Each of the legs (25,27,33,35) of the first and second pairs of collapsible legs (26,34) is of a length that is greater than a distance between first and second ends (18,20) of the tabletop (12).