Foldable Table Shelf Mechanism Using Swing Rods for Parallel Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tables with storage boards are inconvenient for transportation and storage due to their fixed nature, which limits their foldable functionality.
Innovation Solution
A foldable table shelf mechanism comprising a storage board, a pair of folding frames with swing rods, and position-limited members that allow the storage board to fold parallelly onto the table surface when not in use, utilizing first and second swing rods connected to the storage board and table, and supported by position-limited members for stability in the open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the storage board is fixed directly above the table board, then the storage function is enhanced, but the convenience for transportation and storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage board is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic foldable structure. Two swing rods (first swing rod connected to front portion, second swing rod connected to rear portion) enable the storage board to pivot between extended and folded positions, allowing it to adapt between providing storage space and facilitating easy transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent components: a pair of folding frames with first and second swing rods, positioned at different locations (front and rear) of the storage board. This segmentation allows each swing rod to independently control the folding motion, achieving stable parallel folding of the storage board.
2Ease of operation
If the storage board is made foldable, then the convenience for transportation is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism merges the storage board with the table structure through shared connection points. The first swing rod connects the front portion of the storage board to the middle portion of the table side, while the second swing rod connects the rear portion to the rear portion of the table side, creating an integrated foldable system that reduces overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding complex locking mechanisms to maintain the storage board in position, the design uses position-limited members that passively support the swing rods at specific angles. The swing rods themselves, when positioned obliquely, naturally maintain the storage board in the open position through their geometric configuration.
3Volume of moving object
If the storage board folds parallelly onto the table surface, then the space occupation is reduced, but the stability during folding process may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second swing rods are positioned asymmetrically at different locations (front and rear portions) of the storage board. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that both ends of the storage board fold simultaneously and parallelly onto the table surface, maintaining balance and stability throughout the folding process while minimizing space occupation.
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 convenient storage and transportation by folding the storage board onto the table surface without occupying additional space, while maintaining structural simplicity and stability when unfolded.
Implementation Method 1
the first swing rod and the second swing rod respectively swing frontward about rotation points defined by connecting points at which the first swing rod and the second swing rod are connected to the table
Implementation Method 2
Each folding frame of the pair of folding frames comprises a first swing rod and a second swing rod parallelly spaced apart from the first swing rod
Implementation Method 3
When the storage board rises to an open position, the one or more position-limited members support the second swing rod, which is obliquely disposed, to enable the storage board to be maintained in the open position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a foldable table shelf mechanism. The foldable table shelf mechanism comprises a storage board, a pair of folding frames, and one or more position-limited members. The storage board is configured to be changed to be alternatively in a folded state or in an unfolded state. The one or more position-limited members support the pair of folding frames to enable the storage board to be maintained in an open position when the storage board is in the unfolded state. The storage board parallelly falls frontward and finally abuts a front portion of a top surface of the table during a folding process of the storage board. After being folded, the storage board is convenient for transportation and storage.