Folding Table with Pull-Out Wheels for Single-Person Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional folding tables are too large and heavy to be easily transported by a single individual to outdoor events, requiring multiple people or multiple trips, and lack a compact configuration for convenient storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A folding table with a compact folded configuration and pair of pull-out wheels that can be positioned adjacent to the sides or below the table, allowing it to be easily rolled and used as a cart, along with adjustable height leg assemblies and a retractable chair rack for carrying folding chairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional tables are used to accommodate large numbers of attendees, then the table surface area is sufficient for food and beverages, but the table size and weight make it difficult to transport by a single individual
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into two ends that can be rotated relative to each other around a pivot. Each end can be folded independently, allowing the table to be segmented into a compact configuration for transport while maintaining a large surface area when unfolded for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The table utilizes rotational movement around a pivot to transition between configurations. By rotating the ends of the table relative to each other, the structure transforms from a flat extended configuration to a compact three-dimensional folded configuration, enabling easy transport while preserving surface area when needed.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional tables are used for outdoor events, then they provide adequate surface area, but they require multiple people or multiple trips to transport to the site
Solution Approach 1:
The table's segmented design with rotatable ends allows it to be folded into a compact configuration that fits in a motor vehicle, eliminating the need for multiple trips. A single individual can load and unload the table efficiently while maintaining adequate surface area for event use.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational mechanism enables the table to transition to a compact three-dimensional configuration for transport, reducing the space required in the vehicle and allowing single-trip transportation by a single individual, thus saving time and effort.
3Volume of moving object
If the table is designed with a compact folded configuration for transport, then it can be easily stored in a motor vehicle, but it may lack stability when unfolded for use
Solution Approach 1:
The table is segmented into two ends connected by a pivot, with locking latches positioned to secure the ends in the unfolded configuration. This segmentation allows for compact folding while the locking mechanism ensures stability when the table is extended for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking latches are designed to engage automatically or be easily engaged to secure the table ends in the unfolded configuration before use. This preliminary locking action ensures stability is established prior to placing items on the table surface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the table has a rotatable mechanism for folding, then it can transform between configurations, but the mechanism adds complexity to the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable mechanism is segmented into discrete components: a pivot connecting the two ends, locking latches for securing the configuration, and support legs for stability. This segmentation simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining the ability to transform between folded and unfolded configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A folding table (1) having first and opposite ends (3 and 5) that are rotatable relative to one another to lie either face-to-face when the folding table is in a folded configuration (FIG. 1) or end-to-end when the folding table is in an unfolded configuration (FIG. 5). The table (1) includes a pair of pull-out wheels (7) on which the table can roll in its folded configuration. A retractable chair rack (14) can be pulled outwardly from one of the table ends (5) to engage a stack of folding chairs (16) to be transported when the table is in its folded configuration and functioning as a cart. The pair of pull-out wheels (7) are pivotally coupled to the table and rotatable between a first position (FIG. 10) lying outside and adjacent opposite sides (18) of the table (1) when the table is in its folded configuration and a second position (FIG. 12) lying below the bottom of the table (1) when the table is in its unfolded configuration.