Foldable Table Locking Mechanism Against Accidental Top Tilting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible tables with hinged table tops lack safety mechanisms to prevent accidental overturning when in horizontal position, relying on user precision in tightening screws or elastic means, which can lead to instability and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of hooking teeth and surfaces, along with safety teeth and surfaces, that engage and disengage to secure the table top in its horizontal position, utilizing an elastic body to maintain stability and prevent accidental rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hooking means are used to secure the table top in horizontal position, then the table can be collapsed and stored in limited space, but the table top can be accidentally overturned when stressed by thrust
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device applies a preliminary counteracting force through the safety element and counter-hook mechanism to prevent the harmful effect of accidental overturning. When the table top is stressed by thrust in horizontal position, the safety element engages with the counter-hook to provide resistance against rotation, thereby preventing the instability that would otherwise occur with hooking means alone
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic body associated with the safety element provides beforehand cushioning by storing elastic energy that can be rapidly deployed to counteract sudden thrust forces. This elastic cushioning mechanism ensures that when accidental stress is applied to the table top in horizontal position, the safety device can absorb and resist the force, preventing overturning while maintaining the collapsible functionality
2Reliability
If adjustable screws are used as hooking elements, then the table can be secured in horizontal position, but the stability depends on user tightening precision
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device operates on a self-service principle where the safety element automatically engages with the counter-hook when the table top is stressed, without requiring user intervention or precision tightening. The elastic body automatically activates the safety mechanism, eliminating the need for users to precisely tighten adjustment screws while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device incorporates a feedback mechanism where the engagement between the safety element and counter-hook provides immediate mechanical feedback when thrust is applied to the table top. This automatic feedback system eliminates the need for users to judge tightening precision, as the safety mechanism activates automatically in response to applied forces
3Reliability
If tooth-shaped elements with elastic means are used for hooking, then the table can be secured in horizontal position, but no safety means are provided for accidental separation
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is segmented into distinct functional elements: the safety element with its elastic body, the counter-hook mechanism, and the association with the supporting structure. This segmentation allows the safety function to be added as a separate, manageable subsystem rather than complicating the existing hooking mechanism, making the safety features easier to manufacture and maintain
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
Enhances safety by preventing unintentional overturning while maintaining the convenience and simplicity of collapsible tables, ensuring the table top remains stable during use and can be easily converted between positions.
Implementation Method 1
a safety tooth 11 belonging to the supporting structure 4 and a safety surface 12 belonging to the shaped frame 3, wherein the safety surface 12 is configured to cooperate with the safety tooth 11 when an incipient rotation of the table top 2 around the pivoting means 5, starting from the horizontal operative position A, separates the hooking tooth 7 from the hooking surface 8
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5a
AI summary
A table (1; 100) including: a table top (2; 102) associated with a shaped frame (3; 30), the latter being connected with a supporting structure (4; 40) through pivoting means (5) which define a rotation axis (X) of the table top (2; 102) from a horizontal operative position (A) to a vertical resting position (B), and vice versa. A hooking tooth (7; 70) belonging to the supporting structure (4; 40) cooperates with a hooking surface (8; 80) belonging to the shaped frame (3; 30) in order to secure the table top (2; 102) in its horizontal operative position (A). A safety tooth (11; 110) belonging to the supporting structure (4; 40) cooperates with a safety surface (12; 120) belonging to the shaped frame (3; 30), when an incipient rotation of the table top (2; 102) around the pivoting means (5), starting from the horizontal operative position (A), separates the hooking tooth (7; 70) from the hooking surface (8; 80). The hooking tooth (7; 70) and the safety tooth (11; 110) both belong to a single hooking body (20; 200), which is associated with the supporting structure (4; 40) by means of a rotation pivot (21; 210). The hooking tooth (7; 70) is hooked on its corresponding hooking surface (8; 80) and the safety tooth (11; 110) is separated and removed above the safety surface (12; 120) when the table top (2; 102) is arranged in its horizontal operative position (A).