Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding tables often experience wobbling in the upright position due to instability and jamming issues when trying to fold and unfold, primarily caused by insufficient securing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A table design featuring a strut that pivots about a joint on the table leg and connects to the table top with a self-locking frictional contact mechanism, utilizing a spring element and stop to secure the leg in place without additional securing elements, and a pendulum locking element for stability and easy folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a snap closure is used to secure the strut on the table top, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to jamming that prevents folding
Solution Approach 1:
The strut is designed to automatically engage with the support surface through self-locking frictional contact when the table leg is in the unfolded position. The geometry of the support surface and the strut's position create a self-sustaining frictional connection that secures the strut without requiring manual activation of snap closures or other securing mechanisms, thereby eliminating jamming issues while maintaining connection stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional securing elements are added to prevent wobbling, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frictional locking connection utilizes the inherent geometric relationship between the strut and the support surface to create self-locking contact. The support surface is positioned and oriented such that the strut naturally contacts it at an angle that generates sufficient friction to prevent wobbling and stabilize the table in its unfolded position, eliminating the need for additional securing elements like snap closures, latches, or locking mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the strut connection allows easy folding, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability deteriorates due to play and wobbling
Solution Approach 1:
The strut is designed to automatically engage with the support surface through self-locking frictional contact when the table leg is in the unfolded position. The geometry of the support surface and the strut's position create a self-sustaining frictional connection that secures the strut without requiring manual activation of snap closures or other securing mechanisms, thereby eliminating jamming issues while maintaining connection stability.
4Ease of operation
If a friction-locking connection is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper self-locking contact
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is designed with specific geometric parameters including its position, orientation, and dimensions relative to the table top and the strut's pivot point. By carefully selecting and optimizing these parameters, the design ensures that the strut contacts the support surface at the correct angle and location to generate sufficient friction for self-locking, while accommodating reasonable manufacturing tolerances. The support surface extends from a first end to a second end with specific distance relationships to the second joint to ensure proper contact geometry.
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 solution provides a stable and rigid construction when unfolded, eliminating play and jamming issues, while allowing for easy folding and unfolding without manual activation of securing elements, ensuring the table remains stable without unintended folding.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element, in particular a spiral spring, may be provided between the table leg and the strut, applying a force against the strut, pushing it into a position in which it is unfolded from the table leg
Implementation Method 2
in the unfolded position of the table leg, the strut comes into frictional contact with the second end on a support surface that is held on the table top... so that, in the unfolded position of the table leg, the strut is in self-locking frictional contact with the support surface
Data Source
AI summary
A table has at least one table leg and a table top, the at least one table leg being pivotable relative to the table top, between an unfolded position and a folded position, about at least one first joint, wherein a strut is held on the table leg so that, at a first end, it is pivotable about a second joint, is provided for fixation of the table leg, and in the unfolded position of the table leg, it is operatively connected to the table top at a second end, opposite the first end. The table leg has a stop limiting the angle between the table leg and the table top in the unfolded position, such that the strut comes into frictional contact with the second end on a support surface held on the table top. In an unfolded direction of the strut, the support surface extends from a first end to a second end, and the distance from the first end of the support surface to the second joint in the unfolded position of the table leg is greater than the distance from the second end of the support surface to the second joint in the unfolded position of the table leg, so that, in the unfolded position, the strut is in self-locking frictional contact with the support surface.