Fold-In-Half Table Handle That Prevents Unintentional Unfolding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional banquet tables are bulky, difficult to move, and require significant storage space, even when legs are folded, making them inconvenient and costly to rent or borrow, especially for smaller facilities, and they can be challenging to transport due to their size and weight.
Innovation Solution
A foldable table design with a blow-molded plastic top and movable legs that can be collapsed for compact storage and transport, featuring a handle that is accessible in the folded position to facilitate easy carrying and prevent unintentional unfolding, allowing for use in various configurations and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional banquet tables are designed with large table tops and folding legs, then the tables can be used in various configurations and are relatively portable, but the tables require significant storage space and are difficult to move or transport
Solution Approach 1:
The table top is divided into two sections that can be folded relative to each other, allowing the table to be collapsed into a compact form for storage and transport while maintaining a large surface area when in use
Solution Approach 2:
The table incorporates movable components including folding legs and a foldable table top with hinge connections, enabling dynamic transformation between extended use positions and collapsed storage positions
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional banquet tables are designed with extended length for various uses, then the tables can accommodate large groups, but the tables cannot be transported in typical passenger vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The table top is segmented into foldable sections that can be collapsed to reduce the overall length and width, enabling the table to fit into the trunk or back seat of a typical passenger car when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism allows the table sections to nest together in a compact configuration, with the second table top section folding over the first section, creating a space-efficient package for transport
3Device complexity
If conventional fold-in-half tables are designed without additional features, then the structure is simple, but the tables are difficult to grasp and move in the folded position and may unintentionally unfold
Solution Approach 1:
A handle is introduced as an intermediary component that connects to the table structure, providing a convenient gripping point for lifting and carrying the folded table while preventing unintentional unfolding through its mechanical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is pre-positioned on the folded table in an accessible location, allowing the user to immediately grasp and control the table when needed, preventing handling difficulties before they occur
Data Source
AI summary
A table may include a handle to enhance portability. For example, if the table is a fold-in-half table, a first portion of a handle may be connected to a first portion of the table top and a second portion of the handle may be connected to a second portion of the table top. The first and second sections of the handle may be collectively grasped, which may help prevent the table top from unintentionally unfolding. The table top may also include receiving portions sized configured to receive portions of the handle. This may allow, for example, at least a substantial portion of the handle to be disposed in the receiving portions when the handle is in a refracted position and at least a substantial portion of the handle to be disposed outside the receiving portions when the handle is in an extended position.