Folding table mechanism, especially from the side unit of a lounge armchair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for integrating working tops with lounge furniture, such as armchairs, often require additional supports or generate significant loads on kinematic systems, leading to potential damage and compromising aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A folding table mechanism for a side unit of a lounge furniture item, featuring a base arm connected to a rotary ratchet mechanism, a support arm with a sliding retractable support, and a swivel arm with a ratchet-spring mechanism, allowing for adjustable tilt and concealment within the furniture structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional supports are used to integrate working top with lounge furniture, then functionality is improved, but aesthetics deteriorate and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the working top support structure with the lounge furniture frame by integrating the support arms directly into the side unit structure. The base arm connects to the frame's longitudinal member, and the support arm integrates with the armrest structure, eliminating the need for separate, visible support elements while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest structure serves multiple functions: it provides the lateral support for the working top, acts as the armrest for the lounge furniture, and integrates the adjustment mechanism within its structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated support structures, reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional supports are used to integrate working top with lounge furniture, then functionality is improved, but aesthetic integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is merged with the armrest and frame elements, making the support function integral to the furniture's existing aesthetic form. The working top is supported by the armrest structure itself, which maintains the clean lines and design integrity of the lounge furniture while providing full support functionality.
3Force
If significant loads are applied to kinematic systems, then working top support is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a ratchet mechanism that provides pre-loaded spring elements to cushion and absorb shock loads. The spring-ratchet assembly is designed to accommodate unexpected overloads by allowing controlled displacement while maintaining support, preventing damage to the kinematic system and ensuring long-term reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism uses a dynamic ratchet-spring system that can adapt to varying loads. The spring element compresses under load to provide cushioning, while the ratchet mechanism maintains positional stability. This dynamic response allows the system to handle significant loads without compromising reliability.
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 mechanism provides functional and durable integration of a working top with lounge furniture, minimizing space usage while avoiding the need for additional supports and maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a base arm (3) is connected to the base (1) using a rotary ratchet mechanism (2)
Implementation Method 2
a second arm, the support arm (4), is provided with a formation that creates an additional usable area and is connected to the base arm (3) by means of a sliding, retractable support (5)
Implementation Method 3
the support arm (4) and a swivel arm (6) connected to it are jointed pivotally so that the mobility of this connection is 0-10°
Implementation Method 4
The swivel arm (6) has a built-in ratchet-spring mechanism
Implementation Method 5
The swivel arm (6) has a built-in ratchet-spring mechanism, enabling the folded elements of the working top to be rotated by 180°
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2
AI summary
The folding table mechanism, especially from the side unit of a lounge furniture item, includes an arrangement of arms permanently connected to the structure of the side of the support frame for upholstered lounge furniture by means of the base of the mechanism (1), in which the base arm (3) is connected to the base of the mechanism using a rotary ratchet mechanism (2) in the adjustment range of 0° horizontally and up to 95° vertically with an additional tilt of up to 5°, the second of the arms - the support arm (4) is provided with a formation that creates an additional usable area and is connected to the base arm (3) by means of a sliding, retractable support (5) in the form of a bracing, and the support arm (4) and the swivel arm of the base (6) connected to it are joined pivotally so that the mobility of this connection is 0-10° and allows the tilt degree of the folding working area (7) to be adjusted within this range.