Expandable table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jupe-type tables lack efficient mechanisms for expanding and contracting their surface area, leading to potential instability and difficulty in use.
Innovation Solution
An expandable table design featuring a frame with main and expansion rails, a deployment mechanism using pivot members and lift guides for expansion leaves, and removable stoppers to secure main table sections, allowing smooth transition between compact and expanded configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If expansion leaves are stored below the table surface in a compact configuration, then the table maintains a small footprint and aesthetic appearance, but the mechanism for deploying and storing these leaves becomes complex and prone to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion leaves are nested within the space created by the main table sections when they are radially arranged. The leaves store in the central area formed by the circular arrangement of main sections, eliminating the need for separate storage compartments below the table surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment mechanism uses dynamic radial movement of main table sections along rails. The main sections slide radially outward to create space for leaf insertion, and slide radially inward to compress and store the leaves. This dynamic radial expansion and contraction provides a simple yet effective mechanism that avoids complex below-surface storage systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If main table sections are pulled radially outward to create expansion space, then the table can be expanded, but the main table sections may slide off the ends of the main rails
Solution Approach 1:
The table is segmented into main table sections that can independently move along separate main rails. Each section has its own stopper mechanism, allowing individual control and retention. This segmentation enables reliable prevention of sections sliding off rails while maintaining the ability to expand and contract the table.
3Adaptability or versatility
If expansion leaves are manually inserted and positioned between main table sections, then the table can be expanded, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion leaves are pre-positioned in a folded state within the deployment mechanism. When the main table sections are pulled radially outward, the leaves are automatically presented in the correct orientation and position for insertion between the main sections, eliminating the need for manual positioning and significantly reducing the effort and time required for expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment mechanism is designed to automatically guide and position the expansion leaves during the expansion process. As the main sections move radially outward, the leaves self-align and self-position between the sections through the mechanical action of the rails and guides, making the expansion process intuitive and easy to operate without requiring complex manual manipulation.
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
Facilitates stable and user-friendly expansion and contraction of the table surface, providing ample space for various gatherings while maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot member connecting the outer section of the expansion leaf to the frame so as to rotate about a pivot axis between the deployed position and the storage position
Implementation Method 2
a lift guide attached to an expansion rail of the frame. The lift guide has a guide surface engaged by a follower on the expansion leaf to guide the inner section of the expansion leaf along an inclined path between the storage position and the deployed position
Implementation Method 3
a launch portion extending upward from a starting level to the peak of the guide surface
Data Source
AI summary
The expandable table comprises a base or pedestal that rests on the floor or other support surface, a frame supported by the pedestal, and a tabletop. The tabletop comprises a plurality of main table sections that join at a common center to form a small table and a plurality of expansion leaves that can be inserted between the main table sections as needed to create a table with larger surface area. Pivot member connect the outer section of the expansion leaf to the frame so as to rotate about a pivot axis between the deployed position and the storage position and a lift guide attached to an expansion rail of the frame. Lift guides attached to the frame guide the inner section of the expansion leaf along an inclined path between the storage position and the deployed position when the outer section is rotated about a pivot axis. In some embodiments, a removable stopper prevents the main table sections from sliding off the end of the main rails. The stopper can be removed to allow installation and/or replacement of a wedge-shaped segment.