Foldable Table with Integrated Retainers for Assembly-Free Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tables are not foldable or require assembly, making them inconvenient for transportation and storage due to separate packaging of tabletops and legs, which is time-consuming and difficult for end users.
Innovation Solution
A foldable table design featuring a frame with pivotally connected longitudinal and lateral bars, integrated retainers, and a folding/unfolding mechanism that allows the table to be folded in half, eliminating the need for assembly and reducing storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tables are made foldable with integrated retainers, then ease of operation and storage convenience are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional folding mechanisms and retainer components
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism is merged with the tabletop structure itself. The retainers are integrally formed with or coupled to the tabletop panels, combining the tabletop function with the locking function into a single integrated component rather than separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism is designed to be self-locking through the retainer engagement system. When the table is folded, the retainers automatically engage with the lateral bars to lock the folded position without requiring external force or additional locking steps.
2Productivity
If tables are packaged separately with assembly required, then manufacturing and transportation efficiency are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming and difficult assembly by end users
Solution Approach 1:
The table is pre-assembled in a folded state during manufacturing. The retainers are pre-positioned and configured on the tabletop panels before delivery, so that end users receive the table in a ready-to-use folded configuration without requiring any assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated retainer system enables the table to self-maintain its folded configuration without requiring user intervention for assembly or locking. The structure automatically engages and locks when folded.
3Strength
If tables are made non-foldable, then structural stability and strength are improved, but volume efficiency deteriorates due to increased storage space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The table structure transitions from a static non-foldable design to a dynamic foldable design. The longitudinal bars are pivotally connected to allow the table to change its configuration between unfolded (stable for use) and folded (compact for storage) states.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer mechanism provides self-locking capability that maintains structural stability in the folded state without requiring external support or additional structural elements. The engaged retainers hold the folded configuration securely.
Data Source
AI summary
A table includes a frame and a tabletop coupled with the frame. The frame includes first and second longitudinal bars, each having first and second bars pivotally connected with each other. The tabletop includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel is coupled with the first bars of the first and second longitudinal bars. The second panel is coupled with the second bars of the first and second longitudinal bars. The tabletop also include one or more first retainers integrally formed or coupled with the first panel and one or more second retainers integrally formed or coupled with the second panel. When the first and second panels are folded onto each other, the first and second retainers engage with each other and lock the table in the folded state.