Foldable Table Panel Structure to Minimize Folded Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable tables are heavy and thick when folded, making them inconvenient to transport and store.

Innovation Solution

A foldable table design featuring panels with protrusions, ribs, and depressions to enhance strength and minimize thickness, along with pivotally coupled mounting and leg assemblies that allow for compact folding and easy carrying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional foldable table designs are used, then the table can be folded for storage, but the folded table is thick and large, occupying excessive storage space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space occupiedVSAvoidfolded thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The table panel is segmented into multiple layers (first panel, second panel, third panel) that can be independently folded relative to each other. The mounting assembly is also segmented into multiple components that can be stacked compactly. This segmentation allows the table to fold into a much smaller volume while maintaining structural integrity during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If traditional foldable table designs are used, then the table can be folded for portability, but the table is heavy, making it inconvenient to carry

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidtable weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The table panels utilize thin-walled hollow structural sections that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. The panels are designed with optimized wall thicknesses that minimize weight while maintaining sufficient structural strength for table functionality. This allows the table to be lightweight and easy to carry while still supporting typical table loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Shape

If panel thickness is reduced to minimize folded size, then the table becomes thinner when folded, but the panel strength and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel thicknessVSAvoidpanel strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The table panels are constructed as composite structures with multiple layers (first panel, second panel, third panel) that work together to provide enhanced strength. The mounting assembly incorporates multiple structural components (mounting panels, support bars, connecting elements) that collectively provide the necessary structural strength while allowing each individual component to remain thin and lightweight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12064031B2Table with minimized thickness when folded

Publication Date: 2024.08.20 GEXIN XIAMEN SPORTS EQUIP

AI summary

A foldable table includes first and second panels, first and second mounting assemblies coupled respectively with the first and second panels, and first and second leg assemblies coupled respective with the first and second mounting assemblies. Each of the first and second panels is formed with upper and lower panel surfaces spaced apart at a first distance. Each of the first and second panels is also formed with a ridge or protrusions or both of the ridge and protrusions. A lower surface of the ridge is spaced apart from the upper panel surface at a second distance equal to or less than two times the first distance. A lower surface of each protrusion is spaced apart from the upper panel surface at a third distance equal to or less than 1.5 times the first distance. Thus, when folded, the table has a minimized thickness.