Foldable Table with Pivoting Support Arms for Space-Efficient Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tables in recreation and marine vehicles are permanently installed, making it difficult to create more room for passengers and cargo, and they lack the ability to be easily folded or locked in place when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A foldable table design with a support structure that allows the table top to pivot and slide between raised and folded positions, featuring a mounting system that enables the table to be locked in place and flush with the surrounding surface when folded, and integrated beverage holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the table is permanently installed, then the table provides stable support and is easy to use, but the table cannot be folded or moved to create more room for passengers and cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The table employs a dynamic support structure with pivotable arms that can transition between extended (raised table top) and retracted (folded table top) positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the table to adapt between providing stable support when needed and being compact when not in use, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The table's support structure is divided into multiple segmentable arms (first arm, second arm, third arm, fourth arm) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the table top to be folded by individual arm movements, enabling the table to transition between stable and compact states while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the table is permanently installed, then the table is stable and easy to use, but the table occupies fixed space that could be used for passengers or cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic arm mechanism allows the table to transition between occupying space (when extended) and releasing space (when folded), enabling flexible space utilization while maintaining ease of use through automatic locking and stable support when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The table includes self-locking mechanisms where fingers on the arms automatically engage with corresponding features when the table is raised, providing stable support without requiring additional fastening operations. This self-service feature maintains ease of use while enabling space-efficient folding.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the table uses a complex support structure to enable folding, then the table can be folded and locked in place, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into four independent arms with standardized finger-locking mechanisms. While this enables foldability, it does increase device complexity through multiple moving parts, pivots, and locking features that must be coordinated to achieve the folded and locked states.
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 easy conversion between a raised position for use and a narrow, flush position for storage, allowing for efficient use of space and convenient mounting to various surfaces, while maintaining the functionality of having a table top with beverage holders.
Implementation Method 1
Causing, based on the pivoting of the first arm, a first finger portion of the first arm to abut an arm lock coupled to the second arm and flex away from a second finger portion of the first arm
Data Source
AI summary
Foldable tables capable of being locked in place when positioned in a raised position and having a substantially narrow profile when in a folded position. The tables may be locked in place and folded via a support structure, and may have integrated beverage holders. The tables may also be mounted or coupled to furniture, exterior and/or interior walls, etc. such that the table is flush with the same when in the folded position. The support structure may also be mounted on an existing table.