Folding Banquet Table with Hinge and Leg Units for Easy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding tables lack versatility and ease of use, as they do not allow for easy conversion between expanded-use and collapsed-storage positions, and their panels are not easily interchangeable for different orientations and purposes.
Innovation Solution
A center-fold banquet table with a plastic table top featuring a hinge unit connecting two sections, allowing rotation between expanded-use and collapsed-storage positions, and leg units that can move between open and closed positions, along with extruded frame rails and panels that can be exchanged for multiple orientations and uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional folding tables are used, then the table structure is simple, but the versatility and ease of conversion between expanded-use and collapsed-storage positions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The table top is divided into multiple sections that can be independently positioned. The first table top section and second table top section can be rotated relative to each other about the hinge axis, allowing the table to transition between expanded and collapsed configurations. This segmentation enables versatility without requiring complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge unit and leg units are designed to serve multiple functions: supporting the table top, enabling rotation between sections, allowing leg deployment and retraction, and facilitating transition between expanded and collapsed states. This multi-functionality increases versatility while maintaining relatively simple structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If panels are made interchangeable for different orientations, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases due to multiple panel types and retention mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism is designed to universally accommodate different panel types and orientations. The same retainer structure can hold panels in various configurations, eliminating the need for different retention mechanisms for different panel orientations. This maintains panel interchangeability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels and retainer are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable. Panels can be easily inserted, removed, and repositioned in different orientations without requiring complex locking or adjustment mechanisms. This dynamic design enables versatility while keeping the retention system simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A table in accordance with the present disclosure includes a table top and a table top elevator. The table top elevator may include a first leg unit and a second leg unit. Each leg unit may be mounted for movement relative to the table top from a closed position alongside the table top to an opened position extending away from the table top.