Foldable Table Z-Shaped Frame Design for Stability and Style Variety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable tables lack unique design options, with most having outdated structures, limiting consumer choice and style variety.
Innovation Solution
A foldable table design featuring a table board rotatably connected to a foot supporting frame with a U-shaped fixed rod and obliquely disposed supporting rods, forming a Z-shape when open, and incorporating a position-limiting structure, oblique linking bars, and a table foot locking mechanism for enhanced stability and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional table leg structures (X-shaped, U-shaped, or T-shaped) are used, then the table structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the design is outdated and lacks uniqueness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic folding mechanism where the table board can rotate between opened and folded states through rotatable connections at the rear portion of the bottom surface. This dynamic capability allows the same structure to serve multiple purposes (deployed for use, folded for storage), resolving the contradiction between simple manufacturing and design versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot supporting frame is segmented into multiple independent components: two supporting rods, a U-shaped fixed rod, and rotatable connection joints. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple processes while assembling into a unique Z-shaped configuration that provides both structural integrity and design originality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the table board is rotatably connected to the foot supporting frame to enable folding, then the table can be folded for storage, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the folding function directly into the rotatable connection between the table board and foot supporting frame, eliminating the need for separate folding mechanisms. The same rotatable joint that connects the table board also enables the folding action, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex locking mechanisms to maintain the opened state, the patent uses gravity and the Z-shaped geometric configuration to naturally stabilize the table when opened. The structure inverts the typical approach by making the folded state require active engagement while the opened state is passively stable.
3Shape
If the U-shaped fixed rod is supported on ground with opening facing forward to form Z-shape, then the table has unique aesthetic appearance, but the stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the U-shaped fixed rod with its opening facing forward, creating the distinctive Z-shaped profile. This asymmetric configuration is complemented by symmetric placement of the two supporting rods, which provides structural balance and stability while maintaining the unique aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The position-limiting structures are pre-configured on the U-shaped fixed rod to automatically engage with the supporting rods when the table is opened. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the stable Z-shaped configuration is achieved automatically upon deployment, without requiring additional stabilization steps.
4Strength
If position-limiting structures and oblique linking bars are added to enhance stability, then the bearing capacity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oblique linking bars serve as intermediary elements that connect the table board to the supporting rods, transferring loads and enhancing stability. These linking bars act as mechanical mediators that distribute forces throughout the structure, improving bearing capacity while adding only minimal complexity compared to direct rigid connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The position-limiting structures are strategically placed only at critical locations on the U-shaped fixed rod where stability is most needed, rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized approach enhances bearing capacity at key points while minimizing the overall increase in component complexity.
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
The design provides a unique and stable foldable table structure with adjustable opening angles, improved bearing capacity, and convenient folding mechanisms, enhancing user experience and style options.
Implementation Method 1
A rear portion of a bottom surface of the table board is rotatably connected to a top portion of the foot supporting frame
Implementation Method 2
Lower ends of the two supporting rods are respectively rotatably connected to two ends of an opening of the U-shaped fixed rod
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a foldable table comprising a table board and a foot supporting frame. A rear portion of a bottom surface of the table board is rotatably connected to a top portion of the foot supporting frame. The foot supporting frame comprises two supporting rods disposed symmetrically on a left side and a right side of the foldable table and a U-shaped fixed rod. Lower ends of the two supporting rods are respectively rotatably connected to two ends of an opening of the U-shaped fixed rod. When the table board and the foot supporting frame are opened to be in an opened state, the U-shaped fixed rod is supported on ground with the opening of the U-shaped fixed rod facing forward, the two supporting rods are disposed obliquely with respect to the ground, and a side view of the folding table is Z-shaped.