Game Table Stabilizer Leg with Sliding Rod for Solo Leveling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing game tables, such as table tennis tables, require cumbersome adjustments to stabilize the tabletop on uneven floors, necessitating the lifting and manual screwing of stabilizer legs, which is tedious and often requires two people.

Innovation Solution

A game table design featuring a stabilizer leg with a rod that can be slid to adjust the shoe's position relative to the tabletop, allowing for horizontal adjustment without needing to access or screw the shoe, facilitated by a nut and thread mechanism with antirotation means and marker indicators for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the shoe is screwed in or out to adjust the stabilizer leg length, then the horizontal position of the tabletop can be adjusted, but it requires lifting the table and manual screwing which is tedious and requires two people

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEase of adjusting stabilizer legVSAvoidTime required for adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizer leg is divided into a body and a separate rod that can move independently. The rod is fitted with the shoe at its distal end, allowing the shoe to be adjusted relative to the body without lifting the entire table. This segmentation enables the adjustment mechanism to be operated separately from the main table structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A rod is introduced as an intermediary element between the shoe and the leg body. The rod can move in translation relative to the body, and the shoe is carried by the distal end of the rod. This intermediary allows the shoe position to be adjusted by sliding the rod rather than by screwing the shoe directly into the leg, eliminating the need for lifting and manual screwing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the shoe is screwed in or out to adjust the stabilizer leg length, then the horizontal position of the tabletop can be adjusted, but it requires action to be taken by two people

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAdjustability of tabletop horizontal positionVSAvoidComplexity of adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is designed to move dynamically relative to the leg body through translation. This dynamic movement allows for continuous adjustment of the shoe position, providing adaptability for different floor conditions. The rod can be slid in and out smoothly, enabling fine-tuned adjustments without complex screwing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional screwing mechanism is replaced with a sliding translation mechanism. Instead of using threads and nuts to adjust the shoe position, the rod simply slides in and out of the leg body. This substitution simplifies the adjustment mechanism, making it operable by a single person without requiring complex mechanical assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the rod is slid to adjust the shoe position, then the adjustment can be made without lifting the table, but additional components like nut and thread mechanism are needed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEase of adjusting stabilizer legVSAvoidNumber of components in stabilizer leg

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment function is merged into the rod-body translation mechanism. The rod incorporates both the adjustment capability and the shoe mounting function. By combining these functions into a single sliding mechanism, the number of separate components is reduced compared to having separate screwing mechanisms for each shoe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rod serves multiple functions: it carries the shoe, provides the adjustment mechanism through its translation movement, and interfaces with the leg body. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, as the rod itself performs the adjustment role that would otherwise require separate screws, nuts, and threading mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables easier and solo adjustment of the tabletop to a horizontal position on uneven floors, reducing the need for lifting and manual screwing, thus simplifying the process and allowing single-person operation.

Implementation Method 1

The rod has an outside thread... the rod having a thread suitable for co-operating with tapping of said nut, such that turning the nut in one direction or the other causes the rod to move in translation between said two positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 3

the shoe is provided with antirotation means for preventing the rod from rotating... the antirotation means comprise a male member and a female member acting together to guide the sliding of the rod in the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS12256834B2Game table including at least one stabilizer leg

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 CORNILLEAU

AI summary

A game table including a tabletop and at least one stabilizer leg for stabilizing said tabletop, the leg having a body, a rod mounted to move in translation relative to the body between a retracted position and an extended position, and a shoe carried by a distal end of the rod.