Folding Table Clamping Structure for Thermal Warp Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Folding tables experience deformation of the tabletop due to temperature fluctuations, particularly under strong solar radiation, leading to bending edges, which existing solutions like rigid metal profiles are costly, complicated, and pose safety risks.

Innovation Solution

The tabletop is supported in the central area of the upper foot section via a support block and clamped in an area remote from the center using a clamping device, counteracting deformations by applying pressure and tension, thus eliminating the need for stiffening profiles and ensuring easy folding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid metal profiles are used to stiffen the tabletop, then deformation resistance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetabletop deformation resistanceVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple feet distributed across the tabletop perimeter, each independently providing support and stability. This segmentation replaces the need for a continuous rigid frame while maintaining deformation resistance through distributed support points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each foot is equipped with individual adjustable support elements that can be locally adjusted to compensate for tabletop deformation. This local adjustment capability replaces the need for a rigid overall structure, allowing each local region to adapt to thermal expansion and moisture-induced warping independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid metal profiles are attached to the tabletop, then deformation resistance is improved, but safety and comfort deteriorate due to sharp edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetabletop deformation resistanceVSAvoidinjury risk from sharp edges

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding rigid profiles to the tabletop surface, the support function is inverted and transferred to the feet below the tabletop. The feet with adjustable support elements provide the necessary stability without any protruding sharp edges on the tabletop surface, eliminating the safety hazard while maintaining deformation resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If feet are firmly attached to the tabletop, then stability is improved, but folding functionality is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable stabilityVSAvoidfolding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the feet and tabletop is made dynamic rather than static. The adjustable support elements allow the feet to be firmly attached during use for stability, while enabling easy detachment or reconfiguration for folding and storage. This dynamic attachment mechanism provides both stability during operation and adaptability for folding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If the tabletop is firmly constrained, then deformation resistance is improved, but folding speed and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetabletop stabilityVSAvoidfolding speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support system uses dynamic adjustable elements that can quickly transition between constrained and unconstrained states. During normal use, the adjustable support elements provide firm constraint to prevent deformation. During folding operations, these same elements can be quickly released or adjusted, allowing rapid folding without compromising stability during the folded state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This configuration effectively reduces temperature-related deformations, maintaining the folding function's simplicity and cost-effectiveness while ensuring safety and comfort during use.

Implementation Method 1

The tabletop is supported in a central area of the upper foot section via a support block against the upper foot section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

it is clamped in an area of the upper foot section that is remote from the center by means of a clamping device on the upper foot section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension force: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP2702898B1Folding table

Publication Date: 2015.03.11 SIEGER GMBH

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~10

AI summary

The folding table comprises a table plate (1) made of plastic material and a pivotable foot (4), which has an upper foot portion (4a) in the erected state of the folding table. The table plate in the erected state of the folding table is supported in an area near the center of the upper foot portion over a support frame (7) against the upper foot portion and is clamped at the upper foot portion by a clamping unit (8) to load the table plate in an occurrence of temperature-induced deformations at the support frame under pressure and to counteract such distortions.