Folding Table with Concealed Rollers for Space-Efficient Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current folding tables that can be rolled for storage often compromise aesthetics and storage efficiency due to exposed wheels or unsightly split lines, and existing solutions either expose wheels during use or increase storage depth.
Innovation Solution
A folding table design featuring legs that fold underneath the table top, with roller devices integrated into the ends of the table top, concealed when unfolded and exposed when folded, allowing for tilted rolling and efficient storage, utilizing a scissor link hinge mechanism to position rollers correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wheels are provided on the underside of the table top for rolling, then the table can be rolled for storage, but the wheels are exposed during use compromising visual appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The roller device is extracted from the traditional wheel position and integrated into the leg structure. The roller is housed within a recess in the leg, exposing it only when the leg is folded underneath the table top for storage, while keeping it concealed when the leg is in the upright supporting position.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller device is made dynamic by integrating it with the movable leg structure. The roller transitions between concealed and exposed states automatically as the leg folds and unfolds, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms to hide or show the rolling capability.
2Area of stationary object
If the table top is split and hinged to fold down around the frame, then storage space is reduced, but the split line causes unevenness and requires tablecloth coverage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of splitting the table top, the invention segments the leg structure into movable parts with integrated roller devices. This allows the table top to remain whole and uniform, while the legs provide the folding and rolling functionality through their own segmentation.
3Area of stationary object
If legs are folded underneath the table top, then storage width is reduced, but the table cannot be rolled without additional depth increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the rolling function with the folded leg structure. The roller device is integrated into the leg assembly, combining the support function of the leg with the rolling function in a single integrated component that occupies minimal space when folded.
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 an aesthetically pleasing, space-efficient solution that allows single-person handling and easy stacking, with rollers concealed during use and exposed for efficient transport and storage, enhancing both usability and storage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one roller device located towards an end of the table top; whereby in the unfolded position the roller is concealed behind the table top and leg, and in the folded position the roller is exposed to the end of the table top to allow rolling of the table in a tilted orientation along a floor surface
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A folding table (10), including a table top (12) having a top surface (18) and a bottom surface; two opposing legs (20) at or adjacent respective opposing ends (14) of the table top; the legs being movable between an unfolded position for supporting the table top above a floor surface, and a folded position whereby the legs lie underneath the bottom surface; at least one roller device (34) located towards an end of the table top; whereby in the unfolded position the roller is concealed behind the table top and leg, and in the folded position the roller is exposed to the end of the table top to allow rolling of the table in a tilted orientation along a floor surface.