Modular table leg assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Furniture manufacturers face the challenge of maintaining a large inventory of different table-specific parts to accommodate various table types, including fixed and adjustable height tables with or without nesting capabilities, which increases costs and logistical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular table leg assembly design featuring a common foot casting and outer leg column that can be used across multiple table types, with optional leg column extensions for adjustable height tables, secured by draw bolts, reducing the number of parts needed in inventory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different table-specific parts are used for various table types (fixed height, adjustable height, nesting, static), then each table type can be properly assembled, but the number of parts in inventory increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot casting is designed with multiple attachment channels that can accommodate different table configurations (fixed height, adjustable height, nesting, static). The same foot casting and outer leg column can be used across all table types by selectively positioning attachment channels and using optional extension components, eliminating the need for table-specific parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg assembly is divided into modular components including the foot casting, outer leg column, and optional leg column extension. These segmented parts can be selectively assembled and configured to create different table types, allowing a single set of modular components to replace multiple table-specific part inventories.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple table-specific parts are maintained in inventory, then all table types can be assembled, but manufacturing costs and logistical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foot casting incorporates multiple attachment channels that can serve different functions depending on configuration. The same universal foot casting and outer leg column can be used for all table types, simplifying manufacturing logistics by eliminating the need to manage multiple table-specific part inventories.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment channels are designed to be selectively positioned and configured dynamically. The leg column extension can be added or removed based on the desired table type, allowing a single base configuration to adapt to multiple table types without requiring separate part inventories for each configuration.
3Quantity of substance
If a common foot casting and outer leg column are used across all table types, then inventory is reduced, but the ability to accommodate different table configurations must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The foot casting is designed with multiple attachment channels that can accommodate different table configurations (fixed height, adjustable height, nesting, static). The same foot casting and outer leg column can be used across all table types by selectively positioning attachment channels and using optional extension components, eliminating the need for table-specific parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment channels extend through the entire height of the foot casting, providing vertical dimensionality for attachment options. This vertical arrangement of channels allows different attachment configurations to be achieved along the height dimension, enabling multiple table types to be accommodated by the same foot casting structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A table leg assembly for use with either a fixed height table or an adjustable height table. The table leg assembly includes a foot casting that includes at least a pair of legs extending from the body portion of the foot casting. In an adjustable height table, an outer leg column is attached above the foot casting and a leg column extension is attached below the foot casting. An inner leg column is movable by a drive cylinder to adjust the height of the table. The table top is attached to and moves with the inner leg column. In a fixed height table, the leg column extension is eliminated, and the same foot casting and outer leg column define the table leg assembly.