Modular Folding Table Truss Structure for Stable Portable Displays
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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 and slidably connected link members, telescoping legs, and hinged segments for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing horizontal and vertical expansion, and connection with additional tables for increased space and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional folding tables use individual legs or pairs of legs pivotally connected to a table top, then the table is portable and easy to set up, but the table is not strong or stable enough to support modern video or computer displays
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into modular components including a table top, a base unit with truss framework, and separate utility shelves. Each component can be independently folded and transported, then assembled at the destination to provide both portability and structural strength when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The table structure transitions from a two-dimensional flat folded state to a three-dimensional extended configuration. The truss framework expands vertically and horizontally to provide structural strength, while the table top and shelves are positioned in three-dimensional space to support equipment effectively.
2Strength
If conventional folding tables use a larger and heavier structure to support display equipment, then the table gains strength and stability, but the table becomes impractical for portability and requires a truck for transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The table system is segmented into lightweight modular components that can be separately transported. The base unit, table top, and utility shelves are designed as separate foldable modules that can fit in standard vehicles, eliminating the need for specialized truck transportation while maintaining strength when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The table structure is designed to be dynamic - folded and compact for transportation, then extended and expanded at the destination to provide structural strength. The truss framework and link members transition between compact and extended configurations, allowing the table to adapt its form factor based on whether it is being transported or is in use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tables provide utility shelves for efficient space use, then the table offers better equipment organization, but the tables are generally not collapsible and easily portable
Solution Approach 1:
Utility shelves are designed as separate foldable modules that can be independently attached to and detached from the base unit. When not in use, the shelves fold flat against the base unit or can be removed entirely, maintaining portability. When needed, they are easily attached to provide additional equipment support and organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit's truss framework serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the table top, supports attachable utility shelves, and enables vertical stacking with additional base units. The link members and slider mechanisms serve both to enable folding for portability and to provide adjustable support for various shelf configurations.
4Ease of operation
If the table uses a collapsible truss framework with pivotally and slidably connected link members, then the table becomes foldable and portable, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The link members are designed to nest within each other when folded, with the first link member containing or receiving the second link member. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall folded dimensions and simplifies storage and transportation, offsetting the complexity of the multiple connection points and mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider members are designed to automatically engage with the legs at predetermined positions, providing self-locking functionality. The pivotal connections and slider mechanisms work together to automatically maintain the table in its extended stable configuration once deployed, reducing the need for complex locking mechanisms or manual adjustment procedures.
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 display equipment, offering efficient use of space and easy transportation by allowing the table to be folded and expanded as needed, while also enabling vertical stacking and horizontal connection of multiple units.
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
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.