An extensible table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extensible tables with circular or oval shapes in their collapsed configuration have limited extension capabilities due to the rectangular shape of auxiliary tabletops, which cannot be accommodated efficiently under the primary tabletop, limiting the overall extension magnitude.
Innovation Solution
The extensible table design includes a primary tabletop with separable parts and secondary and tertiary tabletops, each hinged and suspended by pivot joints, allowing them to slide and unfold parallel to the frame's rails, enabling a larger extension by accommodating the secondary and tertiary tabletops on top of each other in the collapsed state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single auxiliary tabletop is arranged below the primary tabletop, then the table structure remains simple, but the magnitude of possible extension is rather limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by arranging multiple auxiliary tabletops (second and third auxiliary tabletops) vertically stacked below the primary tabletop in collapsed configuration. The second auxiliary tabletop is positioned above the third auxiliary tabletop, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes extension capability while maintaining compact storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the auxiliary tabletop functionality into multiple separate tabletops (second auxiliary tabletop and third auxiliary tabletop) instead of using a single auxiliary tabletop. Each auxiliary tabletop can be independently extended and positioned, allowing for greater total extension magnitude while maintaining structural organization.
2Area of stationary object
If auxiliary tabletops are accommodated below the primary tabletop in collapsed configuration, then the table occupies less space, but the extension magnitude is limited by the rectangular shape constraint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking of auxiliary tabletops below the primary tabletop, transitioning from a single-plane arrangement to a multi-level three-dimensional configuration. The second auxiliary tabletop and third auxiliary tabletop are arranged at different vertical levels, enabling greater extension capability while maintaining a compact collapsed footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary tabletops are nested vertically below the primary tabletop in collapsed configuration, with the second auxiliary tabletop positioned above the third auxiliary tabletop. This nested arrangement allows multiple extension surfaces to be stored in a compact vertical stack, maximizing space efficiency in collapsed state while preserving extension magnitude capability.
3Length of moving object
If multiple auxiliary tabletops are arranged at different vertical levels, then the extension capability increases, but the suspension mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic suspension mechanisms with pivot joints that allow the auxiliary tabletops to move between collapsed and extended positions. The first suspension mechanism suspends the second auxiliary tabletop and the second suspension mechanism suspends the third auxiliary tabletop, enabling smooth transitions between configurations while maintaining structural support.
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 design achieves a significant increase in the table's extension magnitude from its collapsed to expanded configuration, providing flexibility and aesthetic coherence in both states.
Implementation Method 1
secondary tabletops, each hinged and suspended by pivot joints, allowing them to slide and unfold parallel to the frame's rails
Data Source
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AI summary
An extensible table (100) is described. The table comprises a frame (4), a primary tabletop (6), a secondary tabletop (8), a tertiary tabletop (10), and a plurality of legs (12). The primary tabletop (6) is having an extension in a first horizontal direction (X) and an extension in a second horizontal direction (Y). The primary tabletop (6) comprises separatable first part (6a) and a second part (6b), being connected to end rails (14a,14b) and (16a,16b) respectively. The end rails (14a,14b) and (16a,16b) are connected to each other via intermediate rails (18a,18b), respectively. The secondary tabletop (8) and the tertiary tabletop (10) comprises a first plate (8a, 10a) respectively and a second plate (8b, 10b) respectively being hinged to each other by one or more hinges (8c) at respective rims thereof; thereby enabling the secondary and tertiary tabletops (8,10) to shift configuration between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, and vice versa. The table comprises secondary and tertiary suspension means (20,22) having respective first legs (20a,22a) and a second legs (20b,22b) being connected to each other by a pivot joint (20c,22c), and the first leg (20a,22a) is being fastened to a first side of the first/second plate (8a, 10a) respectively of the secondary/tertiary tabletop (8,10) respectively. The second leg (20b) of the secondary suspension means (20) is being fastened to the first end rail (14a), and the second leg (22b) of the tertiary suspension means (22) is being fastened to the second end rail (16b). When the table is being in its collapsed configuration, the first leg (20a) of the secondary suspension means (20) and said first leg (22a) of the tertiary suspension means (22) are being arranged at different vertical levels, thereby enabling accommodation of the secondary tabletop (8) and the tertiary tabletop (10) on top of each other and below the primary tabletop (6) when being in their folded configuration and when the extensible table is in its collapsed configuration.