Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tables with large tabletops and folding legs are heavy, expensive, and difficult to move or store due to their material weight, and using lightweight materials requires additional reinforcing members that increase weight and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A molded plastic tabletop with a unitary, one-piece structure featuring a lip that forms part of the sidewall, which is integrally formed during the molding process, providing structural integrity and allowing for a frame to be attached, thus reducing the need for additional reinforcing members and enhancing strength and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional materials such as wood, particleboard, or metal are used for tabletops, then the tabletops have high strength and durability, but the weight increases making the table difficult to move
Solution Approach 1:
The lip and sidewall are merged into a single integrally formed structure, eliminating the need for separate reinforcing members. This combination maintains structural strength while reducing overall weight and part count.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabletop is formed from molded plastic material that provides both lightweight properties and sufficient structural strength. The integral formation of the lip with the sidewall creates a composite-like structure that optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio.
2Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials such as plastic are used for tabletops, then the table weight decreases making it easier to move, but additional reinforcing members are required which increase weight and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lip is integrally formed with the sidewall as a single molded structure, eliminating the need for separate reinforcing members, brackets, or support parts. This merging significantly reduces manufacturing complexity and assembly requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lip structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural reinforcement, forms part of the sidewall, and eliminates the need for additional fasteners or connecting parts. This multi-functionality reduces both weight and manufacturing complexity.
3Strength
If additional reinforcing members, braces, brackets, or support parts are added to strengthen the tabletop, then the tabletop strength increases, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing function is integrated directly into the sidewall structure through the integrally formed lip, eliminating the need for separate braces, brackets, or support members. This maintains strength while minimizing weight.
4Reliability
If additional parts and fasteners are used to assemble the table, then the structural integrity is improved, but the assembly time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lip and sidewall are formed as a single integral structure during molding, eliminating the need for multiple parts and fasteners. This reduces assembly time and labor while maintaining structural integrity through the integral design.
5Reliability
If additional parts and fasteners are used to connect components, then the structural connection is improved, but sharp edges from these parts may injure users
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the lip with the sidewall as a single molded structure, the invention eliminates separate fasteners and connecting parts that would have sharp edges. The integral design maintains structural connection while removing injury risks from exposed fastener edges.
Data Source
AI summary
A molded plastic structure may comprise a tabletop with an upper surface and a lower surface. A lip may extend downwardly relative to the lower surface of the tabletop, and the lip may include an outer surface and an inner surface. An inwardly extending portion may extend inwardly from the inner surface of the lip. A frame may be connected to the table top and the frame may include a side rail of a frame. The side rail may include a receiving portion that receives the inwardly extending portion. The side rail may also include a portion that supports the lower surface of the table top and a portion that supports the lip.