Foldable Table Stress-Dispersing Structure with Pivotal Leg Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable tables often suffer from unstable structures due to concentrated localized stresses, leading to damage and a short lifespan, and are inconvenient to fold and unfold.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates pivotally coupled table leg assemblies and supporting assemblies with rotatable and adjustable components, including table leg linking members, supporting members, and a controller system, which disperses stresses and facilitates easy folding and unfolding by allowing rotation between use and storage positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional foldable table structures are used, then the table can be folded and unfolded, but concentrated localized stresses cause structural damage and short lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The table leg assembly is divided into multiple segments including first leg, second leg, first table leg linking member, and second table leg linking member. These segments are connected through pivotal couplings that allow relative movement, distributing stress across multiple connection points rather than concentrating it at single joints, thereby improving structural durability and lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic connection mechanisms where table leg linking members are pivotally coupled to both the tabletop and leg members, allowing the structure to adapt and redistribute forces during folding and unfolding operations. This dynamic capability prevents stress concentration by enabling controlled movement at connection points under load.
2Stability of the object's composition
If simple pivotal coupling is used for folding, then the table can be folded, but the structure becomes unstable under load
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting assembly is segmented into first supporting member and second supporting member, each pivotally coupled to different components. This segmentation creates multiple stabilizing triangles and quadrilaterals in the structure, enhancing rigidity and stability while maintaining the ability to fold through controlled pivotal movements at each segment connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of support and folding control into a single integrated supporting assembly. The first and second supporting members work together with the table leg linking members to provide both structural stability during use and controlled folding capability, eliminating the need for separate stabilization mechanisms.
3Strength
If multiple supporting members are added to disperse stress, then structural strength improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The table leg linking members serve multiple functions: they connect the tabletop to the leg members, provide pivotal coupling for folding motion, act as supporting members for stress distribution, and enable both stability and foldability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining relatively simple device complexity while achieving improved stress distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal couplings throughout the structure allow the same components to serve different functional roles depending on the table's state. During use, the linking members provide rigid support for stability; during folding, they enable controlled movement. This dynamic versatility means fewer components are needed compared to designs requiring separate mechanisms for support and folding.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable table includes a tabletop, first and second table leg assemblies, and first and second supporting assemblies. Each of the first and second table leg assemblies is pivotally coupled with the tabletop and rotatable with respect to the tabletop between a use position and a storage position. The first supporting assembly is pivotally coupled with the tabletop and first table leg assembly, and the second supporting assembly is pivotally coupled with the tabletop and second table leg assembly. Each of the first and second supporting assemblies includes first and second supporting members slidably and rotatably coupled with each other such that sliding and rotating movement between the first and second supporting members of a respective supporting assembly allows a corresponding table leg assembly to rotate with respect to the tabletop between the use and storage positions.