Foldable table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable tables often have uneven surfaces and storage issues due to telescoping legs and vertical storage requirements, which occupy valuable space and can cause height variations when expanded.
Innovation Solution
A foldable table design featuring telescoping support members and hingedly coupled tabletop panels that can extend to twice their folded length, providing a flat surface with adjustable legs that can be rotated for compact storage, allowing the table to be mounted on a shelf or swiveled upright for space-efficient use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If telescoping table portions are used to extend the table, then the table length is increased, but the top surface becomes uneven and steps are created at the junction
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into multiple detachable segments that can be connected end-to-end. Each segment has a standardized interface with precision-machined mating surfaces that ensure flat, step-free connections when segments are joined to extend the table length.
Solution Approach 2:
The table segments are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with each segment containing a recess that receives the adjacent segment. This nesting arrangement maintains a uniform outer profile and ensures that the top surfaces of nested segments are coplanar, eliminating steps and unevenness.
2Volume of moving object
If the folding table is stored in a vertical position attached to a wall, then storage space is utilized, but wall space is occupied and clearance is required for swiveling
Solution Approach 1:
The table incorporates a swivel mechanism at its base that allows it to rotate between a horizontal storage position (parallel to the wall) and a vertical usable position (perpendicular to the wall). This dynamic positioning capability enables the table to adapt to different spatial requirements without permanently occupying wall space.
Solution Approach 2:
The table utilizes the third dimension (depth from the wall) for storage by positioning itself parallel to the wall when not in use, rather than occupying wall area. When needed, it swivels to utilize the horizontal floor space, effectively transitioning between dimensional orientations to optimize space utilization.
3Volume of moving object
If the table is designed to swivel into a vertical position, then storage efficiency is improved, but sufficient clearance is required for the swiveling motion
Solution Approach 1:
The table segments nest within each other during the swiveling and storage process, creating a compact profile that minimizes the clearance required for the swiveling motion. The nested configuration reduces the table's effective width and depth during transition, allowing the swivel mechanism to operate in a smaller arc.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel mechanism is designed with a compact pivot point and optimized rotation arc that allows the table to transition between positions using minimal clearance. The dynamic design incorporates guides and constraints that ensure smooth rotation while minimizing the space required for the swiveling motion.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are foldable tables and methods for using the same. The foldable table can include at least one support member having a first and a second elongate support segments. The first support segment can be attachable to a platform. The second support segment can be slidably coupled to the first support segment along an elongate direction. The support member can be extendable between a contracted configuration and an extended configuration. In one example, at least one adjustable leg can be coupled to the support member and can be movable between a storage position and a support position. In one example, the foldable table includes a plurality of hingedly coupled tabletop panels. The first and second tabletop panels can be movable between a folded configuration and a deployed configuration.