Folding Table Lock Element Design for Stability and Secure Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional folding tables with two table tops lack stability due to easy rotation, which compromises their usability and storage efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A folding table design featuring rotatably pivoted table tops with lock holes and a lock element, assisted by an elastic element to secure the connecting pieces and prevent relative rotation, and snap joints to ensure secure folding and prevent automatic opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If two table tops are folded to reduce storage space, then storage efficiency is improved, but the table tops are easy to rotate relatively causing poor stability
Solution Approach 1:
The lock element is pre-positioned within the lock hole structure, and the elastic element is pre-loaded to automatically engage the lock element with the lock hole when the table tops are folded. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the locking action occurs automatically during the folding process, preventing relative rotation before it can occur and maintaining stability throughout the folded state.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element automatically pushes the lock element into the lock hole when the table tops are folded, creating a self-locking mechanism that requires no additional action from the user. The system uses its own elastic potential energy to maintain the locked state, ensuring the table tops remain securely connected during storage without external intervention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a lock element is added to prevent rotation of table tops, then stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock element and elastic element are integrated into the existing connecting structure between the table tops. The lock hole is formed as part of the connecting piece, and the lock element moves within this integrated structure. This merging approach allows the locking function to be added without creating separate, independent components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while still achieving the desired stability.
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
Enhances stability during use by preventing relative rotation of table tops and ensures secure folding to minimize storage space while maintaining ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element to apply elastic force on the lock element to keep the lock element in the lock holes
Implementation Method 2
The bottom portion of one table top is disposed with a snap joint, the bottom portion of the other table top is disposed with a facing snap joint, the snap joint is locked to the facing snap joint when the two table tops are folded and contacted
Data Source
AI summary
A folding table has two table tops. A connecting piece of one table top is rotatably pivoted to a facing connecting piece of the other table top, wherein the connecting piece and the facing connecting piece are respectively disposed with a lock hole, the lock hole of the connecting piece is aligned with the lock hole of the facing connecting piece when the two table tops are unfolded; further comprising a lock element synchronously inserted to the lock hole of the connecting piece and the lock hole of the facing connecting piece to lock the connecting piece and the facing connecting piece and an elastic element to apply elastic force on the lock element to keep the lock element in the lock holes. The elastic element forces the lock element to be synchronously inserted to the two lock holes to lock the connecting piece and the facing connecting piece.