Folding Table with Coupled Linkage for Automatic Leg Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding tables are complicated and time-consuming to collapse and unfold due to the large number of independently movable components that can be swiveled about different axes of rotation.
Innovation Solution
A table design featuring an actuating linkage that couples the table top to swivel table legs, allowing the table top to transition from an operational to an inoperative state while automatically swiveling the swivel table legs into a folded position, eliminating the need for independent swiveling motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the table uses multiple independently swivelable components about different axes of rotation, then the table can be collapsed into a compact state, but the folding operation becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent swiveling operations into a single coupled operation. The actuating linkage connects the table top swivel motion to the table leg swivel motions, so that one action (swiveling the table top) simultaneously performs multiple functions (collapsing the table and folding the legs). This merging of operations resolves the contradiction by maintaining compactness while simplifying the folding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating linkage serves as an intermediary mechanism between the table top and the table legs. It transfers and coordinates the motion from the table top swivel to the table leg swivels, enabling automatic coupling of the folding operations. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by automating the coordination that would otherwise require multiple independent manual operations.
2Volume of moving object
If the table uses multiple independently swivelable components, then the table can achieve full collapse, but the number of movable components increases making the process time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating linkage is pre-configured in a coupled arrangement that automatically sequences the folding operations. When the table top is swiveled, the linkage预先 (in advance) coordinates the table leg swivels to occur simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential manual operations. This preliminary arrangement of components resolves the contradiction by reducing folding time while maintaining full collapse capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple independent folding actions are merged into a single coupled operation through the actuating linkage. The table top swivel motion is combined with the table leg swivel motions, so that one continuous action accomplishes what would otherwise require multiple separate operations. This merging directly reduces the time loss associated with folding.
3Speed
If the table top is swiveled independently of the table legs, then the table top can reach the inoperative state, but the table legs remain unfolded requiring additional manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating linkage acts as an intermediary that automatically coordinates the table leg swivels with the table top swivel motion. It transfers the motion from the table top to the table legs, ensuring they move in coordination without requiring separate manual control. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining fast table top swivel while automatically achieving proper leg coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The table legs automatically perform their own folding operation through the actuating linkage, which converts the table top swivel motion into table leg swivel motion. The system serves itself by using the energy and motion from the table top swivel to automatically fold the legs, eliminating the need for additional manual intervention and maintaining operational ease.
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 design enables quick and easy folding and unfolding of the table, reducing the footprint for storage and transportation, and ensuring stability and balance in the collapsed state.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating linkage (36), which couples the table top (4) to the at least one swivel table leg (6) in such a way that a transition of the table top (4) from the operational state to the inoperative state also automatically swivels the at least one swivel table leg (6) from the unfolded position to the folded position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a folding table (2) comprising a table top (4) having a substantially horizontal planar extent in an operational state, and a plurality of table legs (6, 8) attached to the table top (4). The table top (4) can be swiveled relative to the table legs (6, 8) about a first axis of rotation (10) into an inoperative state, in which the table top (4) has a planar extent that deviates from the horizontal planar extent. At least one of the table legs (6) can be swiveled from an unfolded position about a second axis of rotation (12), which deviates from the first axis of rotation (10), into a folded position. Proposition is made for the table (2) to have an actuating linkage (36), which couples the table top (4) to the at least one swivel table leg (6) in such a way that a transition of the table top (4) from the operational state to the inoperative state also automatically swivels the at least one swivel table leg (6) from the unfolded position to the folded position.