Folding Table Bracket Design for Leg Stability and Cable Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding table designs with removable legs face challenges in supporting the stability of large and heavy work surfaces, as simple elastic bands are inadequate for ensuring a firm and reliable disassembly and repositioning of legs against the tabletop, limiting their adaptability to larger tables.
Innovation Solution
The use of securing clips with rigid profiles that hold each foot against the tabletop in both working and compact configurations, which also function as cable supports, optimizing part functionality and reducing waste for recycling, while ensuring stability and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple elastic bands are used to hold legs against the tabletop in compact configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of holding heavy legs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastening function and cable support function into a single integrated structure (the bracket). The bracket includes both the securing elements (clips, screws, or other fastening mechanisms) and the cable support features (guides, channels, or attachment points), thereby reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining both functions reliably
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a leg support structure, a fastening mechanism for securing legs in compact configuration, and a cable management system. This universal design allows one component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate elements
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate cable support elements are added to the fastening mechanism, then the cable management function is improved, but the number of parts increases and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates cable support features directly into the bracket structure itself, eliminating the need for separate cable management components. The bracket incorporates guides, channels, or attachment points for cables as inherent parts of its design, thereby adding functionality without increasing part quantity
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a universal component that handles both leg support and cable management functions. By making the bracket multi-functional, the patent avoids the need for additional dedicated cable support elements, reducing the total number of parts while enhancing versatility
3Strength
If the bracket structure is made more robust to support heavy legs, then the strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with a modular structure that can be manufactured using standard fabrication processes. The segmentation allows for efficient manufacturing while maintaining structural integrity, enabling the bracket to bear heavy loads without requiring overly complex or custom manufacturing methods
Data Source
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AI summary
Item of furniture whose component parts comprise a table top (1), at least two legs (2), and means for attaching the legs (2) to the table top (1), said components being either in a working configuration in which the legs (2) are attached perpendicularly to the table top (1), or in a compact configuration in which the fixing brackets (6) lock said legs (2) parallel to and in contact with the table top (1). Each leg (2) is held against the table top (1) by at least two fixing brackets (6) in the compact configuration. The brackets (6) are arranged relative to each other and configured in such a way as together to form at least one cable guide (7) in the working configuration.