Collapsible Table Leg with Dual Threaded Rod Extension Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tables with collapsible legs have a modularized electric driving unit that is heavy and cannot be adjusted, limiting the travel distance of the inner tube and restricting user customization.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a table top with collapsible legs featuring a top tube, middle tube, and bottom tube, where a motor-driven inner threaded rod co-rotates an outer threaded rod, allowing for longer extension and retraction of the legs through a system of guide grooves, nuts, and clamps, enabling adjustable and lightweight operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the electric driving unit is modularized as a one piece, then the structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the weight increases and the travel distance of the inner tube is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the driving unit into separate components: the motor is mounted on the stationary table top, while the threaded rods and nuts are distributed along the collapsible legs. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-axis threaded rod mechanism to a dual-axis system with inner and outer threaded rods operating in different dimensional spaces. The inner threaded rod provides primary movement, while the outer threaded rod extends the travel distance, effectively adding another dimension of motion control to overcome the travel distance limitation.
2Device complexity
If the electric driving unit is modularized as a one piece, then the structure is simplified, but the travel distance of the inner tube is limited and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the inner threaded rod can rotate within the outer threaded rod, allowing the system to adapt its travel distance based on operational needs. The guide grooves and slides enable dynamic positioning while maintaining structural integrity, providing versatility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the inner threaded rod is positioned within the outer threaded rod, similar to nested dolls. This allows the inner rod to provide fine-adjustment movements while the outer rod handles larger travel distances, creating a compact yet versatile driving system that combines multiple functions in a space-efficient manner.
3Device complexity
If the collapsible leg uses a single threaded rod mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the extension distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a second dimension of threaded rod movement by introducing the outer threaded rod that can rotate independently of the inner threaded rod. This dual-rod configuration enables the leg to extend beyond the limits of a single threaded rod mechanism, effectively increasing the maximum extension distance while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide and guide groove mechanism acts as an intermediary between the inner and outer threaded rods, allowing the rotation of one rod to drive the movement of the other. This intermediary mechanism efficiently transmits motion and force, enabling extended travel distance without requiring a direct mechanical connection between the two rods, thus keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
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
This configuration allows for longer extension of the collapsible legs while reducing weight, enhancing user customization and operational efficiency by enabling longer travel distances and adjustable motor-driven mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
An inner threaded rod has the top end thereof connected to the output portion of the motor. An outer threaded rod is movably mounted to outside of the inner threaded rod. A top nut is fixed to the middle tube and threadedly connected to the inner threaded rod.
Implementation Method 2
The ridges are slidably engaged with the guide grooves. A bottom nut is connected to the bottom tube and threadedly connected to the outer threaded rod.
Implementation Method 3
Multiple guide grooves are defined axially in the inner periphery of the outer threaded rod. A slide is fixed to the inner threaded rod and includes multiple ridges extending therefrom. The ridges are slidably engaged with the guide grooves.
Data Source
AI summary
A table includes a table top with at least one collapsible leg which includes a top tube, a middle tube and a bottom tube. A connector is connected to the underside of the table top and the top end of the outer tube. An inner threaded rod is connected to a motor which is connected to the connector. An outer threaded rod is movably mounted to outside of the inner threaded rod. A top nut is fixed to the middle tube and threadedly connected to the inner threaded rod. A bottom nut is connected to the bottom tube and threadedly connected to the outer threaded rod. When the motor drives the inner threaded rod, the outer threaded rod is moved relative to the inner threaded rod so that the middle tube moves relative to the top tube, and the bottom tube moves relative to the middle tube.