Extendable Table Center Panel With Spring-Assisted Auto Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extendable tables with additional tabletops require manual and complex mechanisms for enlargement, which are expensive, prone to jamming, and have a high risk of functional failure.
Innovation Solution
An extendable table design featuring spring elements that automatically insert and pivot a center panel between two tabletops when extended, allowing for effortless enlargement without manual intervention, using guide elements and dampening mechanisms to ensure smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual mechanisms are used to insert the center panel, then the table can be extended, but the mechanism becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The center panel is designed to insert itself automatically between the tabletops when they are pulled apart. The panel utilizes the movement of the tabletops to trigger its own insertion through guide elements and spring forces, eliminating the need for complex manual insertion mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The center panel is pre-positioned below the tabletops in a ready state. When the tabletops are pulled apart, the panel is already in position to be automatically inserted, eliminating the need for manual positioning or complex folding mechanisms during extension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling of the center panel is required, then the table can be extended, but jamming and disruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The center panel automatically inserts itself between the tabletops using the movement of the tabletops to trigger the insertion. Guide elements ensure proper alignment and spring forces provide the necessary insertion force, eliminating manual handling that causes jamming and disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide elements and spring forces act as intermediaries between the moving tabletops and the center panel. These intermediaries ensure smooth, controlled insertion of the panel without direct manual intervention, preventing jamming and ensuring reliable operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex folding mechanisms with springs are used, then the table can be extended, but the mechanism becomes prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The center panel uses simple spring forces and guide elements to automatically insert itself when the tabletops are pulled apart. This self-service mechanism replaces complex folding mechanisms with a simple, reliable system that uses the natural movement of the tabletops to trigger panel insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The center panel is pre-positioned below the tabletops and spring forces are pre-loaded in a ready state. When the tabletops are pulled apart, the pre-positioned panel and pre-loaded springs automatically execute the insertion, eliminating the need for complex folding mechanisms during operation.
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 automatic extension mechanism simplifies the enlargement process, reduces effort and cost, and prevents disruptions like jamming, enabling a reliable and smooth unfolding of the center panel without manual handling.
Implementation Method 1
the middle plate can be introduced, in particular can be swiveled out, automatically or automatically under the action of spring force or spring forces
Implementation Method 2
Dampening elements are expediently present, which in particular enable the table according to the invention to function in a manner that is gentle on the material
Data Source
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AI summary
Extendable table with two extendable table tops (1,2) and with a center panel (3), the center panel (3) being insertable between the table tops (1,2) when the table tops (1,2) are in the extended state. When the table tops (1, 2) are not in the extended state, the central panel (3) is arranged below the adjacent table tops (1, 2). When the table tops (1,2) are pulled out or after the table top (1,2) has been pulled out, the center plate (3) can be introduced automatically or automatically under the action of spring forces into the space between the table tops (1,2).