Flip-Top Table Locking Assembly for Stable Hidden Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flip top table assemblies often suffer from wobble or rocking issues, are complex and aesthetically unappealing, and are difficult to operate due to bulky components and hidden release mechanisms, making them expensive to manufacture and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A flip top table assembly featuring a table top member with a hinge and leg assembly, utilizing a slider and spring mechanism to align pins with openings for secure locking in both horizontal and vertical positions, allowing for easy operation and reduced wobble, with the locking mechanism hidden from view for improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional locking mechanisms are used to secure the table top, then the table top stability is improved, but the device complexity increases and aesthetic appeal decreases due to visible bulky components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the leg assembly structure. The pin extends through the leg assembly and engages with the table top, while the spring and slider are contained within the leg assembly housing. This nesting approach provides stable locking functionality while keeping all components hidden from view, eliminating the trade-off between stability and aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable system acts as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. The cable connects to the slider inside the leg assembly, allowing the user to operate the locking mechanism from above the table top without crawling underneath. This intermediary approach simplifies operation while maintaining the hidden locking mechanism design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional locking mechanisms are used to secure the table top, then the table top stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must crawl under the table to access release mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A cable system acts as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. The cable connects to the slider inside the leg assembly, allowing the user to operate the locking mechanism from above the table top without crawling underneath. This intermediary approach simplifies operation while maintaining the hidden locking mechanism design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to access the locking mechanism from below the table top (traditional approach), the cable system inverts the operation approach by allowing control from above. The pull cord extends upward from the leg assembly, enabling users to easily engage and disengage the locking mechanism without changing their position relative to the table top.
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex locking mechanisms are used to prevent wobble, then the table top stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the leg assembly structure. The pin extends through the leg assembly and engages with the table top, while the spring and slider are contained within the leg assembly housing. This nesting approach provides stable locking functionality while keeping all components hidden from view, eliminating the trade-off between stability and aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pin automatically engages with the table top when it is in the horizontal position, providing self-locking functionality. The mechanism uses the natural spring force to maintain the locked position without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs while ensuring stable 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 solution provides a stable, easy-to-use, and cost-effective flip top table assembly with minimized wobble and rocking, featuring a simple design that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain, while maintaining aesthetic appeal by hiding the locking mechanism within the leg assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first spring biasing the slider toward the restraining member
Data Source
AI summary
A flip top table assembly including a table top member having an undersurface, a leg member having a top end, a hinge linking the top member to the top end of the leg member for pivotal movement between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position, a restrainer forming at least first and second openings and forming an edge, a slider forming at least first and second distal pin ends, the slider supported by one of the table top member and the leg member proximate the restraining member and at least a first spring biasing the slider toward the restraining member where, when the top member is in the horizontal position, the first pin end is aligned with the first opening and is biased by the spring toward a restraining position and, when the top member is in the vertical position, the second pin end is aligned with the second opening and is biased by the spring toward a restraining position received within the second opening and the first pin end is biased by the spring toward a space adjacent the edge of the restraining member outside the first and second openings.