Foldable Table Leg Assembly with Interference Fit to Reduce Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable tables experience vibration and instability due to gaps at the connections between the mounting frame and leg assemblies, which are not adequately addressed by current technologies.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a table panel with retainers and mounting members that include linking members with engagement portions, which form an interference fit when the leg assemblies are unfolded, reducing the gap between the linking members and the openings of the mounting members, thereby minimizing vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the leg assemblies are rotatably connected to the mounting frame through openings, then the table is foldable and easy to store, but gaps are formed at the connections causing vibration and instability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefoldabilityVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement portion is inserted into the opening of the mounting frame, with the retainer nested within the engagement portion. This nested structure creates an interference fit that eliminates gaps while maintaining the rotatable connection, thus resolving the contradiction between foldability and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer acts as an intermediary element between the engagement portion and the opening. It protrudes from the engagement portion to abut against the opening, mediating the connection to eliminate gaps and reduce vibration, while still allowing rotational movement for folding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the connection between mounting frame and leg assemblies uses simple rotatable joints, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but gaps cause vibration when the table is in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidvibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is provided at specific local positions (at least one at each end of the engagement portion) where gaps would cause vibration. This localized addition to the structure eliminates vibration at critical points without complicating the overall manufacturing process or requiring complete redesign of the connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11523681B2Frame and table having structure for reducing vibration

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 GEXIN XIAMEN SPORTS EQUIP

AI summary

A table includes a table panel, first and second mounting members, and first and second leg assemblies. Each of the first and second mounting members is coupled or formed with the table panel. Each of the first and second leg assemblies includes a linking member having an end portion rotatably coupled with the first mounting member and another end portion rotatably coupled with the second mounting member. When the first or second leg assembly is unfolded, the linking member abuts one or more retainers of the table panel and forms interference fit with the first and second mounting members. This significantly reduces vibration when the table is in use.