Extendable Table Fixing Mechanism to Prevent Unintentional Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table extension mechanisms are prone to unintentional lifting and become unusable due to design limitations, particularly in tables with divided tops where supplementary parts cannot be accurately positioned, leading to issues with wooden materials warping over time.
Innovation Solution
A table with a fixing section on the underside of the tabletop extension part that engages with a corresponding engagement section on the table frame or displacement mechanism, using a telescopic pull-out mechanism and/or a bolt with a widened head that automatically secures the extension part in the usage position, preventing unintentional lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tab-like projection engages in a slot on the table frame to fix the supplementary part, then the supplementary part is secured against unintentional lifting, but this mechanism is only suitable for tables where the supplementary part is attached to one end of the table top and cannot be accurately positioned in tables with divided tops
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing section and engagement section are designed with tolerance ranges that allow them to work effectively in both end-attached configurations and middle-folded configurations. The engagement section can accommodate variations in positioning caused by wood working, making the same fixing mechanism universally applicable to different table top arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing section uses a bolt with a widened head that can be raised by gravity or spring force, allowing it to dip into and engage with the engagement section. This parameter change enables automatic securing without requiring precise manual positioning, adapting to different table configurations.
2Reliability
If a tab-like projection engages in a receptacle on the table frame, then the supplementary part is locked in position, but exact positioning is required which cannot be maintained over time due to wood working and warping
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt fixing section is designed to be movable (raisable by gravity or spring) rather than fixed, allowing it to automatically engage with the engagement section within a tolerance range. This eliminates the need for precise manufacturing positioning that would otherwise be required for a rigid tab-like projection.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt with widened head automatically positions itself through gravity or spring force to engage with the engagement section, eliminating the need for precise manual or machine positioning during assembly. The system self-adjusts to accommodate wood working variations.
3Ease of operation
If the tabletop extension part can be lifted off the table frame, then it can be returned to the stowage position, but it becomes vulnerable to unintentional lifting that may damage the swivel fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism uses a dynamic bolt that can be easily raised and lowered to engage or disengage from the engagement section. This allows intentional lifting for stowage while preventing unintentional lifting during use, as the bolt remains engaged in the lowered position.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt's position (raised or lowered) changes its function from securing to releasing. This parameter change allows the same component to provide both protection against unintentional lifting and enable intentional return to stowage position.
Data Source
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AI summary
The table (1; 101) has a table base with at least one table top part (10, 11; 110) lying thereon and at least one table top extension part (12, 13; 112, 113). The table top extension part (12, 13; 112, 113) is attached to the table (1; 101) in such a way that it can be moved from a stowed position below the at least one table top part (10, 11; 110) into one of the at least one table top parts (10, 11; 110) additional position of use, the at least one table top part (10, 11; 110) being displaceably mounted in a displacement direction (X) attached to the table frame parallel to the table surface by means of a displacement mechanism (14, 15, 16; 114; 115; 116). . On the underside (12a, 113a) of the table top extension part (12, 13; 112, 113) there is at least one fixing section (17, 117; 120) and an engagement section (16a, 116a) on the table frame or on a part (16, 116) of Displacement mechanism (14, 15, 16; 114; 115; 116) provided. The engagement section (16a, 116a) and the fixing section (17, 117; 120) are designed in such a way that when the table (1; 101) is brought into the position of use and/or the table top part (10, 11; 110) and of the table top extension part (12, 13; 112, 113) are engaged with each other.