Modular Folding Table Truss Structure for Stable Portable Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding tables are either too light and unstable to support modern display equipment or too heavy and large for portability, and lack collapsible utility shelves for efficient space use.
Innovation Solution
A modular folding table with a collapsible truss framework that supports a folding table top and utility shelf, featuring pivotally connected link members, slider members, and telescoping legs for stability and expandability, allowing horizontal and vertical connections with other tables and shelves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional folding tables use individual legs pivotally connected to table top, then portability is improved, but strength and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into modular components including a truss framework with multiple link members, utility shelves, and individual legs that can be separately assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the table to be collapsed for portability while maintaining structural integrity when assembled, as each segment contributes to the overall strength through the truss design.
2Strength
If conventional folding tables use heavier work style construction, then strength and stability are improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The table employs a composite structure combining lightweight materials with a truss framework design. The truss framework uses multiple link members arranged in triangular patterns that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the table to achieve work-style strength without the excessive weight of conventional solid construction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tables add utility shelves for equipment storage, then space utilization is improved, but collapsibility and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The utility shelves are designed as dynamic, collapsible structures that can be folded flat against the table top or removed entirely. The shelves use hinge connections and support arms that allow them to transition between extended and collapsed positions, enabling the table to maintain full collapsibility while providing utility storage when needed.
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 modular design provides a strong, stable, and portable solution that can support large equipment, expand table space, and efficiently utilize space with foldable components for easy transportation and setup.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second link members are pivotally connected together at a midpoint between the upper and lower ends, the first end of the first link member is pivotally connected to the upper end of one of the legs, and the second end of the first link member is slidably connected to an adjacent one of the legs. The first and second link members are pivotally connected together in a scissors configuration so as to be extendable horizontally from a collapsed configuration to an extended configuration.
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of slider members are slidably mounted to each of the plurality of vertically disposed legs, respectively, and the second ends of the link members are connected to corresponding slider members, respectively, for slidably connecting adjacent second link members of adjacent sides to corresponding vertically disposed legs, respectively.
Data Source
AI summary
The modular folding table includes a collapsible truss framework that supports a folding table top and a folding utility shelf, and includes legs that can be connected horizontally or vertically to the legs of one or more similar modular folding tables, to provide desired table and shelf space with a structure that is foldable, strong and stable.