Modular Folding Table with Detachable Stool for Portable Workspace
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding tables are bulky and limited to fixed locations, requiring multiple chairs or stools, which are either separate or integrated, and not convenient for transport.
Innovation Solution
A modular folding table with a detachable folding stool, featuring a central through hole, locking tabs, a base plate with a latch mechanism, and snap-fit connections, allowing separate folding and assembly into a compact, portable unit, and enabling multiple configurations for use as a workstation or leisure stool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional folding tables are designed with large size to provide sufficient workspace, then workspace area is improved, but portability and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The folding table is divided into separate modular components: a table plate module and a base module with support legs. These modules can be detached from each other, allowing the table plate to be carried separately for portability while still providing sufficient workspace area when assembled. The segmentation enables the large workspace to be transported in manageable sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The table plate is designed with a three-dimensional structure featuring a central through hole and peripheral through holes, allowing it to be stacked vertically on the base module when not in use. This vertical stacking in the third dimension maximizes workspace area when deployed while minimizing footprint and improving portability during transport.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chairs or stools are provided with the folding table, then seating functionality is improved, but device complexity and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The folding stool is merged with the folding table as an integrated module. The stool can be detached from the table plate and used separately, or attached when needed. This merging provides seating functionality without requiring separate chairs, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The table plate serves multiple functions: it provides workspace surface, acts as a carrier for the detachable stool, and can be used independently or combined with the base module. The stool also serves dual purposes as both seating and a component that can be transported separately. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
3Area of stationary object
If folding panels are attached to each side of the main tabletop, then expanded table surface area is improved, but device complexity and ease of assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching folding panels to all four sides of the tabletop, the design segments the expansion function to only two opposite sides. This reduces the number of hinge mechanisms required while still providing expanded surface area when needed, simplifying the overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding panels are designed with dynamic hinge mechanisms that allow them to be flipped upward from below the tabletop to form an expanded circular table surface. This dynamic design enables area expansion without requiring complex permanent attachments, simplifying assembly and disassembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular folding table (8) including: a table plate (11) including a bottom surface; a plurality of folding support legs (5) disposed on the bottom surface of the table plate (11); a plurality of locking tabs; a base plate (2); and a folding stool (7). The table plate (11) further includes a central through hole which is circular. The plurality of locking tabs is spaced apart along an inner wall of the central through hole and project toward a center of the central through hole. The base plate (2) is disposed on the plurality of locking tabs in the central through hole. The base plate (2) includes an underside, and a latch mechanism is disposed on the underside. The folding stool (7) is hung and secured to the base plate (2) through the latch mechanism.