Foldaway Table Locking Assembly for Stable One-Rod Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding mechanisms in foldable tables have complex structures, many rods, high costs, and instability, particularly when forced to remain in an unfolded position, leading to an unstable table.
Innovation Solution
A simplified folding mechanism featuring a table top, leg portion, and supporting portion with a rotatable and slidable supporting rod connected to a locking member, which includes a sliding sleeve and elastomer for secure locking and easy release, allowing for a stable and rapid folding/unfolding process with fewer components and lower costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a four-rod folding mechanism with multiple pivotal connections is used, then the table can achieve folding functionality, but the structure becomes complicated with many rods leading to high cost and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary rods and pivotal connection portions from the traditional four-rod folding mechanism. By removing the first and second pivotal-connection portions and their associated rods, the invention simplifies the structure to only the essential supporting rod and locking member, achieving folding functionality with minimal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate components into a unified supporting rod structure. The supporting rod integrates both the structural support function and the folding motion function, while the locking member combines locking and releasing actions into a single operational unit, reducing the overall number of parts.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a ring is used to limit rotation and fix the unfolded position, then the mechanism can be fixed in position, but the locking becomes unstable and the table structure becomes unstable when forced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical ring limitation system with an active locking member system that uses elastomeric force. Instead of relying on a ring to merely limit rotation, the locking member actively secures the supporting rod at the unfolded position through elastomeric engagement, providing stable and reliable position fixation that resists forced movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer in the locking member provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining constant elastomeric force on the blocking portion. This pre-applied force ensures that the locking engagement remains stable and reliable even when external forces are applied to the table, preventing unintended disengagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pivotal connection portions are used to enable folding, then the folding mechanism can operate, but the number of components increases leading to high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the first and second pivotal-connection portions from the mechanism, reducing the number of components. Only the essential supporting rod with rotatable connection at the table top and the locking member remain, eliminating unnecessary parts while preserving folding operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting rod is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables folding rotation through its rotatable connection with the table top, and works with the locking member to secure the unfolded position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
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 solution provides a stable, cost-effective, and easy-to-use folding mechanism with a reduced number of components, ensuring a stable table structure and efficient folding/unfolding process, enhancing the overall usability and applicability of foldable tables.
Implementation Method 1
Said locking element comprises an elastomer disposed in the supporting rod and a locking hole connecting the inner side and outer side of the sliding sleeve, said elastomer has a block which pass through the supporting rod and insert in the locking hole by the elasticity.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding mechanism for a folding table is described. The folding table includes a table top, a supporting portion and a leg portion with two legs and a fixing rod mounted between the two legs. The two legs form a rotatable connection with the table top. The supporting portion includes a supporting rod and a locking member. The locking member has a U-shaped sheet and a locking element disposed in the supporting rod. The U-shaped sheet includes a central vertical sheet and two side vertical sheets. The central vertical sheet and the two side vertical sheets are fixed to the fixing rod. The central vertical sheet has a sliding opening for accommodating the supporting rod so that the supporting rod rotates relative to the sliding opening during sliding. One end of the supporting rod is rotatably connected to a lower surface of the table top. The other end passes through the sliding opening. When the folding mechanism is in a locked position, the locking element in the supporting rod engages the two side vertical sheets of the U-shaped sheet fixed to the fixing rod.