Leg-Linked Folding Table Locking Mechanism for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional banquet tables are bulky, difficult to store, transport, and require significant space due to their large size, and existing fold-in-half tables are weak and cumbersome, making them inefficient for use and storage.
Innovation Solution
A folding table design featuring a blow-molded plastic table top and movable support structures that can be easily converted between extended and collapsed positions, with a locking mechanism that secures the table in place, allowing for compact storage and transport, and a frame with elongated members for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional banquet tables are made with large table tops and folding legs, then they can serve large groups of people, but they require large storage area and are difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The table top is divided into two sections that can be folded relative to each other. The first section remains stationary while the second section folds along with its support structure, allowing the table to be collapsed into a compact form for storage and transport while maintaining full size for use.
2Strength
If fold-in-half tables are constructed with stronger and thicker materials to support significant weight, then they can support significant loads, but they increase the weight of the table top making them more difficult to manufacture, ship, carry and move
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple components including leg assemblies, cross members, and locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows the support structure to provide strong load-bearing capacity while keeping each individual component lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates movable leg assemblies that can transition between extended and collapsed positions. This dynamic design allows the table to adapt its configuration, providing strength when needed while minimizing weight and bulk during storage and transport.
3Reliability
If conventional fold-in-half tables use multiple locking rings and sliding bolts to secure the table, then they can secure the table in use position, but they require numerous steps to set up and take down making them time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged when the leg assemblies are extended to the upright position. The cross members and locking members work together to securely lock the table in its use position without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable table may include a table top and legs that are movable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The table top may include a first section and a second section that are connected by a hinge assembly. A locking member may be sized and configured to lock the hinge assembly in a fixed position. Advantageously, moving the legs between the extended and collapsed positions may cause the locking mechanism to move between the locked and unlocked positions. Thus, when the legs are in the extended position and the locking mechanism is in the locked position, the table top may be secured in the unfolded position.