Flip-Top Table Latch Assembly for Pinch-Free Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flip top tables often have complex and difficult-to-manufacture latch mechanisms that wear over time, introducing pinch points and making it hard to coordinate the release of both latching mechanisms for smooth rotation.
Innovation Solution
A leg assembly with a strike plate and worksurface featuring adjustable stop surfaces and a latch assembly with a lock bolt, along with an actuation mechanism using a lever and cables, allowing for simultaneous dual actuation and self-adjusting latching, eliminating pinch points and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latch mechanisms are used in flip top tables, then the table top can be secured in position, but the mechanisms become complex and difficult to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a cam member with an inclined surface that engages with a separate latch member. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and easier to manufacture while maintaining reliable latching function through their interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex coordination logic for releasing both latching mechanisms simultaneously is extracted and replaced by a mechanical cam-based system. The cam member's inclined surface automatically coordinates the release of latch members as the work surface rotates, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If traditional latch mechanisms are used in flip top tables, then the table top can be secured, but the mechanisms wear over time and become loose
Solution Approach 1:
The cam member's inclined surface is designed to gradually engage and disengage the latch member, distributing wear over a larger area and longer time period. This beforehand cushioning approach prevents sudden impact loads that would cause rapid wear and loosening of traditional latch mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism transitions from a static, rigid connection to a dynamic system where the cam member's inclined surface provides controlled movement and adjustment. This dynamic engagement allows the mechanism to self-adjust and maintain proper tension over time, preventing wear-induced loosening.
3Reliability
If traditional latch mechanisms are used in flip top tables, then the table top can be latched, but pinch points are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cam member acts as an intermediary between the work surface rotation and the latch member engagement. Its inclined surface provides a gradual, controlled transition that eliminates sudden pinching actions, while still ensuring reliable latch engagement through the mechanical advantage of the cam profile.
4Reliability
If traditional latch mechanisms are used in flip top tables, then the table top can be secured, but it is difficult to coordinate the release of both mechanisms for smooth rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The release coordination of multiple latch mechanisms is merged into a single cam member that simultaneously controls both latch members. As the work surface rotates, the cam's inclined surface automatically coordinates the disengagement of both latches, providing smooth rotation without requiring complex control systems.
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 solution provides a robust, long-lasting, and user-friendly flip top table system with no pinch points, allowing for easy rotation and storage of panels, while enabling customization through modular leg configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the lock bolt engages the second stop surface of the strike plate when the worksurface is in the use position
Implementation Method 2
An actuation mechanism 210, 356 includes a housing 212 defining a guide 228. A lever 214 is pivotally mounted to the housing 212 about a first axis
Implementation Method 3
First and second cables 160 have ends coupled to the slider at spaced apart locations. The ends of the first and second cables are moved equidistance as the lever is pivoted from the first position to the second position
Implementation Method 4
the first stop surface of the worksurface engages the first stop surface of the strike plate when the worksurface is in the use position, and wherein the second stop surface of the worksurface engages the second stop surface of the strike plate when the worksurface is in the stowed position
Data Source
AI summary
A flip top table includes a leg assembly supporting an axle defining a rotation axis extending in a longitudinal direction. A strike plate is non-rotatably secured to the axle, with the strike plate having first and second circumferentially spaced and radially extending stop surfaces. A worksurface is rotatably supported on the axle and includes first and second circumferentially spaced stop surfaces. The worksurface is rotatable about the rotation axis between a use position and a stowed position. A latch assembly is coupled to and rotatable with the worksurface between the use and stowed positions. The latch assembly includes a lock bolt moveable in the longitudinal direction between a disengaged position, wherein the lock bolt is longitudinally displaced from the strike plate, and an engaged position, wherein the lock bolt engages the second stop surface of the strike plate when the worksurface is in the use position. An actuation mechanism is also provided.