Leg assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional banquet tables are cumbersome and costly due to heavy, expensive materials like wood and metal, and lightweight alternatives require reinforcing members that increase weight and manufacturing complexity, while their leg structures can bend or detach under load, restricting space usage.
Innovation Solution
A table design featuring a blow-molded plastic tabletop with a leg assembly that includes a support element, translation mechanism, and lock device, allowing the legs to rotate between storage and use positions, reducing volume occupied and eliminating the need for reinforcing members, thus enhancing mobility and space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional tables use heavy materials like wood and metal for tabletops, then strength and durability are improved, but weight increases making tables difficult to move and store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional heavy materials (wood, metal) to lightweight plastic materials, achieving a balance between weight reduction and maintaining sufficient strength for table functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite plastic materials and structural designs that combine multiple components (tabletop, leg assembly, support elements) to achieve both lightweight construction and adequate strength without requiring heavy reinforcing members
2Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials like plastic are used for tabletops, then weight is reduced improving mobility, but strength decreases requiring additional reinforcing members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the table structure into separate functional components (tabletop, leg assembly, support elements) that can work together to provide strength without requiring heavy reinforcing members on the tabletop itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic leg assembly with movable support elements that can adjust their position and configuration to provide structural reinforcement only when needed, eliminating the requirement for permanent heavy reinforcing members
3Adaptability or versatility
If banquet tables are designed with standard dimensions (6-10 feet length, 3-4 feet width), then functionality is improved, but storage area requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic leg assembly with movable support elements that can be repositioned and collapsed, allowing the table to transition between its functional configuration and a compact storage configuration that reduces the area occupied
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the leg assembly with nested or collapsible components that can be stored within or alongside the tabletop structure, minimizing the overall storage footprint while maintaining full functionality when deployed
4Reliability
If conventional leg structures are used, then support function is provided, but legs may bend or detach under load reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic leg assembly with movable support elements that can adjust their position and configuration to optimize structural integrity under various load conditions, improving reliability without requiring overly complex fixed structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a lock device that can be engaged to secure the movable support elements in predetermined positions, providing preliminary stabilization before full load is applied, thereby preventing bending or detachment while maintaining simpler overall structure
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 reduces the table's overall weight and cost, increases space efficiency by minimizing the volume occupied when stored, and prevents leg structure damage under load, allowing for easier movement and more flexible placement.
Implementation Method 1
The tabletop may be constructed from blow-molded plastic and may be integrally formed as part of the unitary, one-piece construction during a blow-molding process
Implementation Method 2
the support element may be rotatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 3
a translation mechanism may be retained relative to the support element and the frame, and the translation mechanism may be configured to translate along a portion of the support element as the support element rotates between the first position and the second position
Implementation Method 4
a lock device may be configurable in an engaged arrangement in which the lock device fixes the translation mechanism to the support element
Data Source
AI summary
A table may include a tabletop, a frame, and a leg assembly. The leg assembly may include a support element, a translation mechanism, and a lock device. The support element may include an end structure attached to an elongated structure. The end structure may be rotatably coupled to the frame such that the support element is rotatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position. The translation mechanism may be retained relative to the support element and the frame. The translation mechanism may be configured to translate along the support element as the support element rotates. The lock device may be configurable in an engaged arrangement in which the lock device fixes the translation mechanism to the support element and in a disengaged arrangement in which the translation mechanism is not fixed relative to the support element.