Foldable and elongatable table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable tables can only accommodate two people, necessitating multiple tables to be arranged side by side to seat more individuals, which is inconvenient for both customers and staff in hospitality settings.
Innovation Solution
A foldable and elongatable table design featuring rotating legs and telescopic connections allows for a folded, extended, and elongated configuration, enabling the table to be extended to accommodate additional seating by adding a supplementary portion to the rest plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple foldable tables are arranged side by side to increase seating capacity, then more people can be seated, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into multiple independent leg pairs (first pair, second pair, third pair) that can be independently positioned. Each pair of legs can be extended or retracted separately, allowing the table to be segmented into different configuration states (folded, extended, elongated) to accommodate varying seating requirements without needing multiple separate tables
Solution Approach 2:
The table incorporates dynamic telescopic connections between legs that allow the structure to change its configuration on demand. The legs can be extended outward or retracted inward through telescopic mechanisms, enabling the table to adapt its size and seating capacity dynamically rather than being fixed in a single configuration
2Quantity of substance
If multiple foldable tables are arranged side by side to accommodate more customers, then seating capacity increases, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional arrangement tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The table is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple seating capacities (two places in folded configuration, four places in extended configuration, six places in elongated configuration). This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized tables, allowing a single table to fulfill various seating requirements and simplifying operational tasks for staff
3Area of stationary object
If foldable tables are stored in folded condition to save space, then storage efficiency improves, but the adaptability decreases when more seating is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The table legs utilize a nesting arrangement where the third pair of legs can be positioned inside or alongside the first and second pairs in the folded configuration. This nested structure allows the table to compact into a small storage footprint while maintaining the capability to extend and elongate to different configurations when seating capacity needs to increase
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 allows for increased seating capacity without the need for multiple tables, enhancing convenience and space efficiency in hospitality settings by enabling the table to be easily adjusted to accommodate more patrons.
Implementation Method 1
a first pair of legs (3) that is arranged at a first side (2a) of the rest plane (2); the first pair of legs (3) comprising a first leg (3a) and a second leg (3b) which are rotatably coupled to one another at a relative first intermediate point (P1) so as to rotate with respect to one another in a first plane (XY1) that is transversal to the rest plane (2)
Implementation Method 2
a first telescopic connection (6) which: comprises a first rod (6a) and a first tubular element (6b) inside which the first rod (6a) is slidable; connects the fifth leg (5a) with the first leg (3a) in order to enable the fifth leg (5a) to move with respect to the first leg (3a)
Data Source
AI summary
A table has a first, a second and a third leg pair, the third pair being movable via telescopic connections between a first position proximal to the second pair and a second position distal to the second pair. In a folded table configuration, the third leg pair is in the first position, a first leg and a third leg have relative free ends near a rest plane, and the leg pairs flank one another. In an extended table configuration, the third leg pair has the first position, the first leg and the third leg have relative free ends distant from the rest plane, and the legs delineate a cross. In an elongated table configuration, the third leg pair has the second position, the first leg and the third leg have relative free ends distant from the rest plane, and the leg pairs flank one another in a cross configuration.