Foldable Adjustable Table Structure for Stable Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable tables face a trade-off between lightweight construction for transportability and sturdy stability for use, and often lack positional adjustment and compact storage options.
Innovation Solution
A transportable table design featuring a base, support, arm, and worksurface with multiple pivot mechanisms and a height adjustment mechanism, allowing for positional adjustment, folding into a compact form for storage, and easy transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the table is designed with lightweight construction for transportability, then ease of transport is improved, but structural stability and sturdiness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into multiple collapsible legs that can be folded into the base, separating the support function from the main body. This segmentation allows the table to maintain structural integrity when deployed while reducing overall weight for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The table incorporates dynamic elements including collapsible legs with pivot mechanisms that transition between extended (stable) and folded (compact) positions. The worksurface height is also made adjustable through dynamic mechanical linkages, allowing the table to adapt its structure for both stability and portability needs.
2Volume of moving object
If the table is designed to be compact for storage, then storage space efficiency is improved, but ease of deployment and setup deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The table legs are segmented into collapsible sections that fold into the base, enabling compact storage configuration. This segmentation allows the table to reduce its volume significantly when not in use while maintaining structural integrity during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The table incorporates self-latching mechanisms and spring-loaded components that automatically engage during deployment, reducing the manual effort required to set up the table. The collapsible legs automatically lock into position when extended, making deployment simpler despite the compact storage design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the table provides positional adjustment of worksurface, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkages and pivot mechanisms serve multiple functions: they enable worksurface height adjustment, support the collapsible leg mechanism, and provide structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The table employs dynamic mechanical linkages that provide continuous worksurface height adjustment through a single degree of freedom mechanism. This dynamic approach allows for versatile positioning without requiring multiple independent adjustment mechanisms, thus controlling complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed article of furniture comprises a table with an adjustable base, a support, and a worksurface. The table can be deployed in a generally upright position for use and can be folded into a compact form for storage. The worksurface is mounted on an arm coupled to the base and is rotatable relative to the arm. The arm may be folded into the support. The support may be folded into the base. The worksurface may fit within a cavity between the legs of the base when the table is in the stowed position. The worksurface may have a height adjustment mechanism for the worksurface. The height adjustment mechanism may be configured to adjust to a predetermined “home” position when the support is folded into the base for the stowing position.