Folding Camp Table Leg Linkage for Stable Compact Deployment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional folding tables, particularly camp tables, suffer from stability issues during use due to their design, which compromises their functionality despite advantages like lightweight and compact size.

Innovation Solution

A folding table design featuring a rectangular table top with support elements and crossed legs with pivoting mechanisms, allowing the table to transition through multiple configurations for stability and ease of use and storage, including a unique S-shaped connecting rod and L-shaped connecting rods for leg alignment, along with a height adjustment device and cross member for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional folding tables use simple crossed legs with pivoting means, then the table achieves lightweight and compact size for easy transportation and storage, but the table suffers from stability issues during use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompact sizeVSAvoidstability during use
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Each leg is divided into two portions that can pivot relative to each other. The first portion connects to the support element and the second portion connects to the crossing portion, allowing the leg to be segmented into movable sections that enable folding while maintaining structural integrity during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The leg structure incorporates dynamic pivoting capabilities at two locations: the first pivoting means at the crossing portion and the second pivoting means at the connection to the support element. This allows the legs to adapt their configuration - folded for compact storage and extended for stable use - transforming the structure from static to dynamically adjustable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the table uses crossed legs with pivoting means for folding, then the table can be changed from operating configuration to rest configuration, but the table requires removal of the table top to change configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration change capabilityVSAvoidease of configuration change
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The leg structure is segmented into multiple pivotable sections that can be independently manipulated. The first pivoting means at the crossing portion and the second pivoting means at the support element connection allow the legs to be folded without requiring removal of the table top, as each segment can move independently to achieve the folded configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Weight of moving object

If the table uses simple support elements, then the table achieves lightweight construction, but the table lacks enhanced stability and height adjustment capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelightweight constructionVSAvoidstability during use
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support element incorporates a second pivoting means that allows the leg to pivot relative to the support element. This dynamic connection enables the leg to be positioned at optimal angles for stability during use while maintaining the lightweight construction, as the pivoting mechanism allows adjustment without adding substantial structural reinforcement.

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

The design enhances stability during use while allowing for compact folding and easy transportation, addressing the stability drawbacks of prior folding tables by ensuring secure support and easy configuration changes.

Implementation Method 1

a pivot pin for allowing rotation of said leg relative to the other leg and relative to the support element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentEP2422646B1Folding camping table
Publication Date: 2015.07.29 BRUNNER SRL
  • EP2422646B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2422646B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2422646B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention concerns a folding camp table (1) comprising a table top (2) having a first side (2A) and a second side (2B) at the larger opposed surfaces, a frame (3) having two support elements (4,5) for supporting said table top (2), two sets of crossed legs (6,7) for supporting said two support elements (4,5), each set of crossed legs (6,7) being composed of two legs (6A,6B,7A,7B), first pivoting means (9) adapted to change said table (1) from a first configuration to a second configuration, said first pivoting means (9) being located near the crossing portion of said two legs (6A,6B,7A,7B) of each set of legs (6,7).