Folding Table Panel Locking With Friction-Held Bolt Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for foldable table tennis tables are complex, expensive to produce, and prone to malfunction due to the number of parts and climatic conditions, which complicates their operation and increases weight.
Innovation Solution
A simplified locking device with a movable lock and unlocking member that uses elastic biasing and textured surfaces to maintain panel positions, allowing for easy assembly and operation, and reducing the risk of jamming by balancing forces and enhancing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking devices with multiple parts and linkage mechanisms are used, then reliable locking function is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking member and unlocking member into a single integrated device that performs both locking and unlocking functions. The unlocking member serves dual purposes: it acts as the unlocking actuator and simultaneously serves as the locking surface for friction-based position holding, eliminating the need for separate locking and unlocking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex linkage mechanism and handle from the traditional locking device, replacing them with a simplified direct-action unlocking member. This removal of unnecessary intermediate components reduces the number of parts while maintaining the essential locking and unlocking functions.
2Reliability
If traditional locking devices with handle and linkage are used, then locking function is achieved, but panel weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the handle and linkage components from the panel, transferring the unlocking mechanism to the fixed supporting structure. This extraction of heavy components from the moving panel significantly reduces panel weight while the unlocking member on the fixed structure provides the necessary unlocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the unlocking member on the fixed structure as an intermediary that provides the unlocking function without being attached to the moving panel. This mediator approach allows the panel to remain lightweight while still achieving reliable locking and unlocking through the interaction between the lock and unlocking member.
3Reliability
If traditional locking devices with multiple components are used, then locking capability is achieved, but risk of malfunction due to wear and climatic conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts vulnerable components that are exposed to climatic conditions and wear, such as the handle and linkage, from the moving panel. By placing the unlocking member on the fixed structure instead of the moving panel, the design reduces exposure to harmful factors like moisture, temperature variations, and mechanical wear from repeated handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction-based mutual holding mechanism between the lock and unlocking member provides self-lubrication and self-adjustment properties. The textured surfaces create friction that automatically adapts to wear and environmental conditions, maintaining reliable position holding without requiring external maintenance or protection from climatic factors.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple locking mechanism is used, then production cost is reduced, but reliability of locking function may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-based mutual holding mechanism between the lock and unlocking member provides self-lubrication and self-adjustment properties. The textured surfaces create friction that automatically adapts to wear and environmental conditions, maintaining reliable position holding without requiring external maintenance or protection from climatic factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface parameters of the lock and unlocking member by adding textures to increase the coefficient of friction. This parameter modification enhances the reliability of the friction-based mutual holding mechanism, ensuring reliable position maintenance while keeping the overall device simple and cost-effective.
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 cost-effective and reliable locking mechanism that maintains panel positions securely while allowing easy manipulation, reducing the risk of malfunction and weight, and improving user comfort during handling.
Implementation Method 1
the latch being biased into the protruding position by a first elastic element
Implementation Method 2
an inactive position in which it is returned by a second elastic element
Implementation Method 3
the unlocking member and the lock cooperate by friction and hold each other mutually in the active position and in the retracted position respectively
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4
AI summary
The device has a movable part opposite to a fixed element of a carrier structure carrying a folding table. A housing (16) is arranged in the fixed element. A bolt (13) is mounted on the movable part of a folding table panel for transversely sliding on a part between a projecting position to be received in the housing and a retracted position to leave the housing. The device is arranged such that an unlocking component (17) and the bolt cooperate by friction, and are mutually maintained in an active position and in the retracted position, respectively. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a side of a carrier structure carrying a folding table, comprising a movable panel (2) a table tennis table including a carrying structure.