Modular Table Frame Base for Variable Geometry and Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing frame structures for large tables lack variability in geometry and dimension, rigidity under high loads, and practical assembly methods, making them inefficient for series production or individual shapes at affordable costs.

Innovation Solution

A frame structure with a base featuring connection means for multiple carriers and consoles, allowing flexible orientation and attachment to the tabletop, comprising a central core with circular holes and grooves for screw fixation, enabling horizontal rotation and adjustable support for enhanced stability and assembly convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the frame structure uses fixed connection points for feet and supports, then the assembly is simple, but the geometry and dimensions of the tabletop are limited in variability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometry variabilityVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base is divided into two parallel plates with multiple holes arranged in circles, allowing selective connection points. This segmentation enables various geometries and dimensions by choosing different hole combinations, while keeping the base structure itself simple and standardized for efficient production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base with its multiple connection holes serves multiple functions: it can connect to carriers in different directions, attach consoles at various positions, and support different tabletop geometries. This multi-functionality achieves geometry variability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

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

2Area of stationary object

If the tabletop is made up of several segments for large dimensions, then the table can accommodate large work surfaces, but the rigidity to prevent bending under high loads becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetabletop areaVSAvoidrigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure adds a vertical dimension with two parallel plates spaced apart, creating a three-dimensional rigid framework. This vertical spacing between plates, combined with the circular hole patterns, provides structural rigidity that prevents bending of large segmented tabletops while maintaining the ability to accommodate large areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the connection means on the base are used only for connecting to carriers, then the structure is simple, but the ability to connect to consoles and attach to tabletop underside is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection versatilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base is pre-configured with multiple holes arranged in circular patterns on two parallel plates during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement of connection points allows for versatile connections to carriers, consoles, and tabletops during assembly without requiring complex on-site modifications, thus maintaining production efficiency while achieving connection versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If the frame structure is designed for specific tabletop configurations, then the manufacturing is efficient, but the range of table top configurations is narrow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseries production efficiencyVSAvoidtabletop configuration range
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base design uses variable parameters such as the number of holes, their radial positions, and angular arrangements in circular patterns. By changing these parameters, the same base structure can accommodate different tabletop configurations for series production while maintaining manufacturing efficiency. The standardized base with adjustable connection patterns resolves the contradiction between production efficiency and configuration variety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2083654B1Frame structure for a table
Publication Date: 2011.03.09 VITRA PATENTE AG
  • EP2083654B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2083654B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2A
  • EP2083654B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

Disclosed is a frame structure for a table. Said frame structure comprises a tabletop (1) which is supported by legs (2) and is provided with a top surface (11) as a working surface and a bottom surface (12), a support (4) mounted on the bottom surface (12) of the tabletop (1), and a base (3) for each leg (2). Said base (3) is located underneath the tabletop (1) and has a receiving zone (A) in which the associated leg (2) is mounted. The base (3) is equipped with connecting means (30, 32; 37, 38) which are to be connected to several supports (4) that extend in different optional directions. In addition to being connected to at least one support (4), the connecting means (30, 32; 37, 38) can be connected to at least one bracket (5) that extends in a different direction than the support (4). The bracket (5) can be fastened to the bottom surface (12) of the tabletop (1). Unused connecting means (30, 32; 37, 38) on the base (3) can be fastened to the bottom surface (12) of the tabletop (1). The connecting means encompass a first disk (30) and a second disk (37) that is arranged at a distance from and parallel to the first disk (30). The first disk (30) and the second disk (37) are interconnected by means of a central core (36) such that the base (3) has a wheel rim-type shape. Congruent holes (32, 38), which are used for connecting the supports (4) and brackets (5), are systematically arranged in a circle within the first and second disk (30, 37), outside the core (36). The receiving zone (A) that is to be connected to a leg (2) is formed by a central depression in the second disk (37). Said depression is open towards the outside while being in contact with the core (36) towards the inside. The upper end (211) of the brace piece (21) of each leg (2) is provided with a segment (22) which is fixedly disposed on said brace piece (21) and can be positively inserted into the receiving zone (A).