Fold-In-Half Table Structure Using a Serpentine Support Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fold-in-half tabletops with interlocking features are complex and costly to manufacture, and the removal of plastic burs at the mold separation line is difficult due to the presence of features at or near the mold separation line, which complicates the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible table design featuring a tabletop with straight inner edges and a serpentine central support tube, where the tabletop portions are connected by hinges and leg assemblies, allowing for easy folding and unfolding, and eliminating the need for interlocking features, with the central support tube providing structural integrity without additional mold complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If interlocking and overlapping features are added to tabletop halves, then tabletop rigidity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A separate support tube is introduced as an intermediary element to provide structural rigidity to the tabletop. Instead of incorporating interlocking features directly into the molded tabletop halves, the support tube acts as a mediator that connects the two halves and provides the necessary structural reinforcement, thereby eliminating complex mold features while maintaining tabletop strength.
2Strength
If interlocking features are located at the mold separation line, then tabletop rigidity is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to difficult bur removal
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support function is segmented from the tabletop molding process. Instead of integrating interlocking features into the molded tabletop halves at the mold separation line, the support structure is divided into a separate support tube component. This segmentation allows the mold separation line to coincide with straight edge surfaces, making bur removal easier while the support tube provides the necessary rigidity.
3Ease of manufacture
If interlocking features are eliminated for easier manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but tabletop rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support tube serves as an intermediary structural element that compensates for the elimination of interlocking features. By introducing this separate support component, the tabletop maintains its rigidity even though the molded halves no longer have complex interlocking features, thus achieving both ease of manufacture and structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible table has first and second tabletop portions. A pair of first side rails is attached to the first tabletop portion, and a pair of second side rails is attached to the second tabletop portion. First and second leg assemblies are pivotally connected between the first and second side rails. A pair of hinges rotatably connect the first side rails to the second side rails along a hinge axis. A serpentine central support tube includes one or more first tubular portions disposed to one side of the hinge axis toward the first tabletop portion, and one or more second tubular portions disposed to an opposing side of the hinge axis toward the second tabletop portion. The one or more first tubular portions support the first tabletop portion at its inner edge, and the one or more second tubular portions support the second tabletop portion at its inner edge.