Foldable Table Frame with Automatic Leg Locking for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable tables lack mechanisms to control the folding and unfolding process, leading to accidental folding, poor stability, and uneven load distribution, which affects safety and service life.
Innovation Solution
A foldable frame with a mounting assembly, leg assemblies, supporting assemblies, and fixing members that include pivoting mechanisms and retainers to control leg rotation and locking, ensuring stable and safe use, and even load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If foldable tables are designed without locking mechanisms, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the tables may fold accidentally and are not safe to use
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting assembly is designed to automatically control the folding and unfolding of leg assemblies through gravitational force. When the table is placed on a surface, the leg assemblies automatically unfold and lock into position without requiring user intervention. The elastic piece provides automatic locking by engaging with the position piece when the leg assembly reaches the unfolded position, eliminating the need for complex manual locking mechanisms while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a simplified elastic-mechanical coupling system. The elastic piece works in conjunction with the slider and position piece to provide automatic locking through elastic deformation and gravitational force, rather than using traditional complex mechanical locks or latches.
2Device complexity
If foldable tables lack supporting mechanisms to control leg rotation, then the device is simpler, but the load distribution is uneven resulting in poor stability
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a slider that moves along the first supporting member, an elastic piece that provides restoring force, and a position piece that locks the leg assembly in the unfolded position. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, ensuring even load distribution and stable operation while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the form of elastic deformation of the elastic piece to control the leg assembly's position. As the leg assembly transitions from folded to unfolded state, the elastic piece deforms and stores energy, then releases this energy to lock the leg assembly in the stable unfolded position, ensuring even load distribution.
3Reliability
If automatic locking mechanisms are added to control folding, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates automatically through gravitational force and elastic deformation without requiring user intervention. The elastic piece engages with the position piece to lock the leg assembly in the unfolded position automatically when the table is placed on a surface, providing safety without complex manual operation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a simplified elastic-gravitational system. The elastic piece provides the locking function through elastic deformation and gravitational force, eliminating the need for complex mechanical locks, latches, or actuators while maintaining safety.
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 stable, convenient, and long-lasting foldable tables with controlled folding and unfolding, enhancing safety and stability by automatically locking the frame when in use and evenly distributing loads.
Implementation Method 1
The first leg assembly is coupled with distal end portions of the first bars of the first and second mounting members and rotatable with respect to the first bars. The second leg assembly is coupled with distal end portions of the second bars of the first and second mounting members and rotatable with respect to the second bars.
Implementation Method 2
The first and second supporting assemblies are configured to control rotation of the first and second leg assemblies. Each of the first and second assemblies includes a first supporting member, a slider and one or more second supporting members.
Data Source
AI summary
A table includes a tabletop and a frame supporting the tabletop. The frame includes a mounting assembly, first and second leg assemblies coupled with the mounting assembly, and first and second supporting assemblies to control rotation of the first and second leg assemblies. The frame also includes one or more couplers disposed at a mounting member of the mounting assembly to connect the mounting assembly with the first and second supporting assemblies or to connect the mounting assembly with the tabletop.