Gaming Table with Retractable Feet for Stability During Play

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing game tables experience instability during play, which can affect playing comfort and lead to deterioration of stabilization feet due to lateral movement during games.

Innovation Solution

The game table is designed to have a connecting mechanism that allows some running feet to be spaced from the ground in play configuration, transferring weight to stabilization feet and increasing their ability to resist movement, while all stabilization feet are in contact with the ground to oppose table movement, enhancing stability and preventing sliding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If running feet are in contact with the ground during play configuration, then the table can be easily moved, but the stability of the table deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of movementVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The table design allows dynamic reconfiguration of the running feet relative to the ground contact. In play mode, the running feet are elevated above the ground to maximize stability, while in storage mode, they can contact the ground to enable easy movement. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between stability during use and ease of movement during storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If stabilization feet are used to prevent lateral movement, then stability improves, but the running feet cannot support the table weight

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidweight support
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: in play configuration, the stabilization feet contact the ground to provide lateral stability while the running feet are elevated; in storage configuration, the running feet contact the ground to support the table weight while the stabilization feet are retracted. This dynamic mode switching allows both functions to be optimized at different times without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 significantly improves the stability of the game table during play by transferring weight to stabilization feet and increasing resistance to sliding, ensuring the table remains stable and resistant to movement.

Implementation Method 1

running feet each equipped with at least one wheel for rolling the table on a level ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

running feet each equipped with at least one wheel for rolling the table on a level ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 3

each at least one stabilizing foot resting on the ground to support the table thereon... each stabilization foot may have a friction end which opposes the sliding of the foot on the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3320802B1Gambling table provided with casters and retractable feet
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 CORNILLEAU
  • EP3320802B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3320802B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3320802B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Game table (1) having: - a board (2) comprising first and second board portions (2a, 2b); - a plurality of stabilizing feet (3); - a plurality of rolling feet (4) for rolling on a flat ground (S); - a connection mechanism (M) connecting the top (2a) to the plurality of legs (3, 4); the table (1) adopting a storage configuration and a game configuration. The link mechanism (M) is arranged to move the plurality of stabilizing feet (3) relative to the plurality of rolling feet (4) so ​​that in game configuration, the stabilizing feet (3) are all resting on the flat ground (S) while the running feet (4) are all away from the flat ground (S).