Foldable Table Hinge With Automatic Leg-Latch Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tables are not foldable, leading to storage, packaging, and transportation inefficiencies due to their fixed structure, and lack a mechanism for automatic latching that allows for easy conversion between use and stowed positions.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible table or bench design featuring a locking hinge assembly that automatically disengages when a leg is rotated from an extended to a stowed position, allowing the table or bench to fold, utilizing a pawl pin mechanism and spring-loaded cable to facilitate this conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional fixed table structure is used, then structural stability is maintained, but storage space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into two separable parts: a stable base structure and a removable tabletop. The base remains stationary providing stability, while the tabletop can be detached and stored separately, reducing storage volume when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The table transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The tabletop can be moved between an attached operational position and a detached stored position, allowing the table to adapt between providing full functionality and minimizing storage space.
2Volume of moving object
If a foldable table structure is implemented, then storage efficiency is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into a stable base structure and a separable tabletop. The base remains fixed and stable, while the tabletop can be detached for storage, maintaining structural stability during use and enabling compact storage when separated.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable connection mechanism serves as an intermediary between the base and tabletop. This mediator allows the tabletop to be securely attached when needed for stability and easily detached when storage is required, bridging the conflict between stability and storage efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If a manual latching mechanism is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but automation level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage without requiring manual intervention. When the tabletop is placed on the base or removed, the latch self-activates through the movement itself, making the system serve itself rather than requiring user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage when the tabletop approaches the base. The preliminary positioning and spring tension prepare the latch to activate automatically upon contact, eliminating the need for manual latching operations.
4Extent of automation
If an automatic latching mechanism is implemented, then automation level is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism uses the movement of the tabletop itself to trigger automatic engagement or disengagement. The system leverages the existing motion required for assembly or disassembly to activate the latch, avoiding the need for separate actuators or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A simple spring-loaded latch acts as an intermediary that automatically engages or disengages based on the position of the tabletop. This mediator component translates the positional state of the tabletop into automatic latching action without requiring complex mechanisms.
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
Enables the table or bench to be stably used when expanded and efficiently stored by allowing automatic folding, saving space and simplifying transportation, while ensuring secure engagement and disengagement of the hinge mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A spring member having spring arms engages the pawl pin and biases it toward the first position
Implementation Method 2
Pivoting the at least one collapsible leg assembly from an extended position to a stowed position causes the pawl pin to be automatically moved from the first position to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable table or bench has first and second support surface halves. A furniture leg is mounted to each half and collapses independently of the other and is movable between an extended position and a stowed position. First and second hinge assemblies each include two hinge members mounted to the support surface halves and pivotally connected to one another by hinge pins. A center rod is connected to the first and the second hinge assemblies and extends across the width of the table top halves substantially parallel to the first and second hinge pins.