Height-Adjustable Table Strut Articulation for Simplified Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing height-adjustable tables require complex mechanisms for height adjustment and often compromise on space-saving transportability due to intricate assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

The design simplifies height adjustment by directly connecting pairs of struts with articulated joints and allowing adjusting struts to be slidably mounted on the table base and top, eliminating the need for a connecting device and enabling straightforward attachment of a drive mechanism, such as an actuator on the table top support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connecting device and connection strut are used to synchronize the movement sequences of the two pairs of struts, then the height adjustment mechanism is functional, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronized movement of strutsVSAvoidcomplexity of connecting device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the synchronization function into the strut structure itself by articulating the first support strut to both the second support strut and the second adjusting strut through joints. This integration eliminates the need for separate connecting devices and connection struts, reducing device complexity while maintaining synchronized movement of the strut pairs during height adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support struts and adjusting struts are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The first support strut not only provides structural support but also articulates to both the second support strut and the second adjusting strut, enabling synchronization and height adjustment through a single component rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the adjusting struts are rigidly fixed to the table base and top support, then the structure is stable, but the height adjustment range and flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidheight adjustment range
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic mounting where the first adjusting strut is slidably mounted on the table base and the second adjusting strut is slidably mounted on the table top support. This allows the adjusting struts to move relative to the base and support during height adjustment, providing continuous adaptability across a range of heights while maintaining structural stability when locked in position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjusting struts are divided into segments that can slide relative to each other and to the mounting surfaces. The slidable mounting creates segmented, movable connections rather than rigid fixed connections, enabling the structure to adapt to different height requirements while maintaining stability through the joint connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If multiple gas pressure springs are used to set the desired height, then the height adjustment capability is achieved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight setting capabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the height setting function from complex multi-spring mechanisms and implements it through the slidable mounting system of the adjusting struts. The simplified mechanism relies on the mechanical interaction between the slidable struts and joints rather than multiple gas pressure springs, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the ability to set and maintain desired heights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3639694B1Height adjustable table
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 KONIG NEURATH AG
  • EP3639694B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3639694B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3639694B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a height-adjustable table comprising a table leg (0), a first and a second pair of struts (1, 2) and a tabletop support (3), wherein the first pair of struts (1) is connected on one side to the table leg (0) and on the other side to the second pair of struts (2) and the second pair of struts (2) is connected on one side to the first pair of struts (1) and on the other side to the tabletop support (3), wherein the first pair of struts (1) has a first support strut (1.1) pivotally connected to the table leg (0) and a first adjusting strut (1.2) extending at least partially parallel to the first support strut (1.1), wherein the second pair of struts (2) has a second support strut (2.1) pivotally connected to the tabletop support (3) and a second adjusting strut (2.2) extending at least partially parallel to the second support strut (2.1). According to the invention, the first support strut (1.1) is provided for via a first joint (4.1) is articulated with the second support strut (2.1), the first support strut (1.1) is articulated with the second support strut (2.2) via a second joint (4.2) and the first support strut (1.2) is articulated with the second support strut (2.2) via a third joint (4.3) and that the first support strut (1.2) is slidably mounted on the table leg (0) and the second support strut (2.2) is slidably mounted on the table top support (3).