Extension table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extension tables lack a simplified manufacturing process that reduces the number of distinct components while maintaining functionality and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The use of identically designed profiles for all parts of the extension rail, including a stiff profile made from bent sheet metal with sliding members and tubular structurally reinforcing sections, allows for easy assembly and adjustment of the table's length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different components are used for outer parts and middle parts of extension rails, then structural integrity and functionality are maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by making all extension rail components (outer parts and middle parts) identical in design. Each component has the same profile structure with sliding members, allowing any component to replace any other in the extension rail assembly. This reduces the number of distinct components while maintaining functionality through the standardized identical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing all extension rail components with identical profiles that can serve multiple positions in the assembly. Each component is universally interchangeable, allowing the same component design to function as an outer part, middle part, or combination thereof, depending on the number of leaves being supported.
2Reliability
If multiple distinct components are used for extension rails, then specific functions are optimized for each part, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the design of outer parts and middle parts into a single identical component design. This allows for standardized manufacturing processes, reduced tooling requirements, and simplified assembly procedures, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining all required functions through the standardized design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the design parameters by standardizing the profile dimensions, material specifications, and geometric features across all extension rail components. This parameter standardization enables batch production, reduces manufacturing variability, and improves overall productivity while ensuring consistent functionality.
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 simplifies manufacturing, reduces component complexity, and maintains structural integrity while enabling easy adjustment of the table's length and storage of extension leaves.
Implementation Method 1
The profile is made from bent sheet metal, which provides a stiff profile that still is easy to manufacture
Implementation Method 2
The profile of the first outer part and each profile of the one or more middle parts each contain a sliding member, wherein each sliding member is fixed to an adjacent profile
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An extension table (2) comprises a plurality of extension rails (4, 6) along the table (2) for adjusting a dimension of the table (2), wherein an extension rail (4) of the plurality of extension rails (4, 6) comprises, laterally disposed relative to each other, a middle part (4b); a first outer part (4a) connected to a first section (10) of the table (2) and slidable relative to the middle part (4b), a second outer part (4c) connected to a second section (12) of the table (2) and slidable relative to the middle part (4b), wherein the middle part (4b), the first outer part (4a), and the second outer part (4c) of the extension rail (4) each comprises an identically designed profile (106).