Automatically lockable pivoting mechanism and sliding mechanism, and frame and table having same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable tables lack mechanisms to control the folding and unfolding of legs, leading to accidental folding and safety concerns when in use.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of automatically lockable pivoting and sliding mechanisms, utilizing coupling pieces, rods, and elastic locking members to prevent accidental unfolding, ensuring the table remains stable during use and can be easily folded for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foldable tables are designed without locking mechanisms, then the table structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but the table may fold accidentally during use, creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages when the table is unfolded and locked in place, and automatically releases when folded. The gravity-based design allows the mechanism to self-lock without external intervention, eliminating the need for manual locking operations while ensuring safety during use.
Solution Approach 2:
A third coupling piece acts as an intermediary between the first and second coupling pieces. This intermediate component enables automatic locking by engaging with slots in the other coupling pieces, providing a reliable safety mechanism while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an automatic locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental folding, then the safety and stability of the table is improved, but the structural complexity and difficulty of manufacture increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: first coupling piece, second coupling piece, and third coupling piece. Each component has specific slots and engagement features that work together to provide stable locking. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual parts while achieving overall stability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex active locking system that requires actuators or fasteners, the design uses passive gravity-based engagement where the coupling pieces lock together through their geometric shapes and slot configurations. This inverted approach achieves stability through the natural weight of components rather than active mechanical systems.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is implemented, then the table can be securely locked during use, but the ease of operation for folding and unfolding is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and unlocking actions occur automatically based on the folding motion itself. When the table is unfolded, the coupling pieces naturally engage and lock; when folded, they automatically disengage. This eliminates the need for separate locking operations, maintaining ease of use while ensuring reliable locking during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions dynamically between locked and unlocked states based on the position and motion of the table legs. The gravity-based design allows smooth transitions during folding operations while maintaining firm locking when extended, adapting to the operational state without requiring manual intervention.
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 safe and stable table that can be easily folded and unfolded, enhancing user safety and convenience by automatically locking the mechanisms when in use, allowing for secure operation and compact storage.
Implementation Method 1
the third coupling piece together with the second rod moves by gravity to a first position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are pivoting mechanisms, sliding mechanisms, frames and tables. A pivoting mechanism includes a first coupling piece, a second coupling piece and a rod. The first and second coupling pieces are pivotally coupled with each other. The rod is operated by gravity to automatically lock or unlock the first and second coupling pieces. A sliding mechanism generally includes a slider and a locking member. The slider includes a sleeve to be slidably coupled with a bar. The locking member includes a restriction piece, operated by an elastic piece to be disposed inside of the bar, to automatically lock the sleeve at a certain position of the bar.