Folding Table with Rotary Lifting Mechanism for Compact Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional folding tables with crossed feet are bulky and difficult to fold without dismantling, making them challenging to store in a space-saving manner.

Innovation Solution

A folding table design featuring a rotary lifting mechanism that allows the first foot part to be lifted and rotated relative to the second foot part, enabling them to be moved out of a crossed position and aligned parallel, facilitating a tool-free and efficient transition into a space-saving storage position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the feet are firmly attached to the table legs in a crossed position, then the table provides stable support, but the table becomes bulky and difficult to store

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestable supportVSAvoidbulkiness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The foot is designed with a rotary lifting mechanism that allows it to dynamically change position between a crossed configuration (for stability during use) and a folded configuration (for compact storage). The foot can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the table leg and lift relative to the second foot part, transforming the static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the feet are firmly attached to the table legs, then the table structure is rigid and stable, but the table cannot be folded without dismantling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverigid structureVSAvoidease of folding
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The foot is segmented into two foot parts (first foot part and second foot part) that are connected through a rotary lifting mechanism. This segmentation allows the first foot part to rotate and lift independently relative to the second foot part, enabling the foot to transition from a fixed crossed position to a folded position without complete dismantling of the table structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If the table top is tilted into a vertical position, then the table takes up less space, but the crossed feet remain bulky and prevent compact storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupationVSAvoidfoot configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary lifting mechanism merges the tilting motion of the table top with the rotating motion of the foot. When the table top is tilted into a vertical position, the lifting mechanism automatically causes the first foot part to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the table leg, coordinating both movements to achieve a compact folded configuration that maximizes space savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3001929B1Folding table
Publication Date: 2018.01.10 VITRA PATENTE AG
  • EP3001929B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3001929B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3001929B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A folding table (1) comprises a table leg (3), a table top (2) fastened in a tiltable manner on the table leg (3) and a foot (4) connected to the table leg (3), which has a first foot part (41) and a first foot part (41) crossing second foot part (42). The folding table (1) further comprises a rotary lifting mechanism (5) which is coupled to the table top (2) and connected to the first foot part (41) of the foot (4) (4) and which, when the table top (2) is tilted, moves the first foot part ( 41) moves along a direction of a longitudinal axis (32) of the table leg (3) and rotates about the longitudinal axis (32) of the table leg (3). The design of the folding table (1) according to the invention with the rotary lifting mechanism enables it to be brought into a space-saving stowage position and from there back into an operating position in an efficient, comfortable and tool-free manner.