Covered Sliding Operator for Finger-Safe Adjustable Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustable single pedestal tables pose a risk of finger injuries due to the potential for users, especially children, to insert their fingers into the slot of the sliding operator, where the spindle can crush their fingers against the edge of the slot, especially when the clamp bars are unclamped and the table is not properly adjusted.
Innovation Solution
A sliding operator with a generally oval cover rotatably mounted on the spindle, featuring first and second impinging walls within the slot, ensures the slot is completely covered at all times, preventing finger insertion by rotating the cover as the spindle moves along the slot, ensuring the slot remains covered regardless of the spindle's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the slot is left open to allow free movement of the spindle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety of users deteriorates due to finger crushing risk
Solution Approach 1:
A cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the spindle and the slot opening. The cover rotates along with the spindle movement, maintaining coverage of the slot while allowing the spindle to move freely. This mediator protects users from finger crushing risk without restricting the operational freedom of the spindle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to be dynamically connected to the spindle through a rotating joint. As the spindle moves along the slot, the cover rotates accordingly, maintaining its protective function throughout the range of motion. This dynamic design ensures continuous safety coverage while preserving full operational mobility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is added to protect against finger injuries, then the safety of users is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is merged with the existing spindle assembly through a rotating connection. Rather than being a separate protective device, the cover becomes an integrated part of the sliding operator mechanism, sharing the same mounting points and movement cycle as the spindle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves multiple functions: it protects against finger crushing, maintains a clean appearance, and guides the spindle movement. By combining these functions into a single element, the design avoids adding unnecessary complexity while achieving comprehensive safety and operational benefits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp bars are made adjustable to accommodate uneven surfaces, then the adaptability is improved, but the risk of accidental movement and injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is installed beforehand to protect the slot opening before any adjustment operation takes place. Even when the clamp bars are in the unclamped position for adjustment, the cover remains in place, preventing accidental finger insertion while the user performs the adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as a continuous intermediary barrier between the user's fingers and the moving spindle, regardless of whether the clamp bars are clamped or unclamped. This mediator ensures that adaptability for uneven surfaces does not compromise safety during adjustment operations.
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
The solution effectively prevents finger injuries by ensuring the slot is always covered, allowing the spindle to move freely while maintaining safety, even when the table is being adjusted or when the clamp bars are unclamped, thereby reducing the risk of crushing injuries.
Implementation Method 1
a generally oval cover rotatably mounted on the spindle; moving the spindle towards the first end of the slot moves the cover against the first impinging wall and causes it to rotate in a first direction such that the slot remains completely covered by the cover
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention provides a covered sliding operator that is particular useful for in adjustable tables (1) and similar pieces of furniture. The covered, sliding operator a body (3); a slot (6) formed in the body (3) having a first end and a second end and a length extending from the first end to the second end; a spindle (5) extending through the slot (6) and mounted to be slidable along the length of the slot (6); and a generally oval cover (10) rotatably mounted on the spindle (5). Wherein, the body (3) has a first impinging wall (16) formed on an inner side of the slot (6) and spaced a distance from the first end of the slot and a second impinging wall (17) formed on an inner side of the slot (6) and spaced a distance from the second end of the slot (6), The cover (10) is shaped such that: when the spindle (5) is central in the slot (6) a width of the cover (10) completely covers the slot (6), from the first end to the second; moving the spindle (5) towards the first end of the slot (6) moves the cover against the first impinging wall (16) and causes it to rotate in a first direction such that the slot (6) remains- completely covered by the cover (10); and moving the spindle (5) towards the second end of the slot (6) moves the cover (10) against the second, impinging wall (17) and causes it to rotate in a second direction such that the slot (6) remains completely covered by the cover (10). in this manner the cover (10) of the covered sliding operator ensures that the slot (6) is covered at all times, thereby preventing anything being inserted into, or through, the slot (6).