Foldable Table Damping Unit for Quiet Plate Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tables with extendable additional plates face issues of noise and potential damage during the opening and closing of the plate parts due to sudden movements and slipping, which are not adequately cushioned by current damping systems.
Innovation Solution
A damping unit comprising two damping components with opposite action characteristics, where one component brakes tension and the other brakes pressure, is integrated to cushion the movements of the plate parts when folding and unfolding, using hydraulic brakes or gas pressure dampers, ensuring smooth operation and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single damping component is used to cushion the movement of plate parts, then the structure is simple, but it cannot effectively cushion both tension and pressure forces during folding and unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The damping system is divided into two separate damping components (first damping component and second damping component), each responsible for cushioning opposite forces. The first damping component cushions tension forces during unfolding, while the second damping component cushions pressure forces during folding. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability without requiring a single complex multi-functional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The two damping components are combined into a single damping unit that integrates both tension-cushioning and pressure-cushioning functions. The components are arranged in series with their damping directions opposite to each other, allowing them to work together seamlessly during the folding and unfolding cycle. This merging provides a complete cushioning solution while maintaining relatively simple structure.
2Productivity
If the additional plate is pulled out and folded out quickly to lengthen the table, then the operation is efficient, but the plate parts may slip, hit the frame, or cause damage due to sudden movements
Solution Approach 1:
The damping components are pre-installed on the plate parts to provide cushioning before any harmful movements occur. When the plate parts are pulled out or folded, the damping components are already in position to cushion tension and pressure forces, preventing sudden impacts, slipping, and damage to the table frame and mechanics. This prior cushioning ensures that even quick operations remain safe and quiet.
3Ease of operation
If the plate parts are brought close together during folding without damping, then the structure is simple, but the panel part held by hand may slip out and fall, causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The damping components act as intermediaries between the plate parts during folding and unfolding operations. The first damping component mediates the tension force when pulling the plate out, while the second damping component mediates the pressure force when folding the plate in. This intermediary cushioning prevents sudden movements that could cause the held plate part to slip or fall, improving both ease of operation and reliability.
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 damping unit effectively cushions the end movements of the plate parts during both folding and unfolding, reducing noise and preventing damage to the table and mechanics, allowing for gentle and silent operation of the additional plate.
Implementation Method 1
the damping element comprises a first damping component and a second damping component that interacts with it, which damping components are aligned in series with opposite damping directions or action characteristics for the loads acting on them
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The dampening unit has a damping element connected with one of attachment parts (1, 2) at both sides. The damping element has a damping component cooperating with another damping component. The damping components are aligned in series with an opposite damping direction and/or effective characteristics for loads acting on the damping components. Ends of the damping components are movable relative to each other. The former damping component is compressible from the end of the latter damping component.