Foldable table with auxiliary support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable tables lack support between panels, leading to deformation, misalignment, and safety issues when loaded, and are generally too small to accommodate multiple people.
Innovation Solution
A foldable table design incorporating an auxiliary support system with an auxiliary bar and linking assemblies that stabilize the panels when unfolded, preventing warping, sagging, and misalignment, and allowing for larger configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If foldable tables are made without auxiliary support between panels, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the stability and reliability deteriorate causing deformation and misalignment under load
Solution Approach 1:
An auxiliary support bar is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second panels. This bar connects to the supporting frame at multiple points and provides lateral stabilization, preventing panel misalignment and deformation while maintaining the foldable structure's simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary support bar extends in a direction perpendicular to the primary folding axis, adding dimensional stability. The bar is elongated in the second direction (perpendicular to the first direction), providing support across the width of the table to prevent warping and sagging
2Device complexity
If foldable tables are made without auxiliary support, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision required to prevent misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary support bar acts as a mediating element that maintains consistent spacing and alignment between panels. By connecting to the supporting frame at multiple predetermined locations, it ensures precise panel positioning without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the panel-to-frame connections
3Ease of operation
If foldable tables are made smaller to maintain portability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates as they cannot accommodate more people
Solution Approach 1:
The table structure is segmented into multiple panels (first panel, second panel) that can be folded together for compact storage and separated or extended for larger configurations. The auxiliary support bar is also segmented into sections that can accommodate different panel arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable table design allows dynamic reconfiguration between compact folded state for portability and expanded unfolded state for larger seating capacity. The auxiliary support bar maintains structural integrity during these transitions, enabling the table to adapt to different usage scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable table includes a supporting frame, tabletop and auxiliary support. The supporting frame includes first and second mounting assemblies pivotally connected to each other. The tabletop includes first and second panels coupled with the first and second mounting assemblies such that the first and second panels are rotatable with respect to each other between a folded position and an unfolded position. The auxiliary support includes an auxiliary bar and one or more linking assemblies. The auxiliary bar is coupled with the supporting frame, and each of one or more linking assemblies is coupled with the first and second panels. When the first and second panels are in the unfolded position, each of the one or more linking assemblies abuts the auxiliary bar toward the first and second panels. As such, the auxiliary support provides support to the first and second panels and enhances stability of the foldable table.