Motorized Extendable Table with Nested Leaf Storage and Remote Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extendable table technologies lack efficient and economical solutions for remote control operation, volumetric efficiency, durability, and low maintenance, as indicated by the complexity and inefficiency of previous patents.
Innovation Solution
A motorized extendable table design featuring a tabletop assembly, extension assemblies, a frame assembly, a motor housing with a computer and motor assembly, and a base assembly, allowing remote control operation, efficient storage, and durable construction with low maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of extension tables is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in extending and retracting leaves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric motor system. The motor assembly, controlled by a remote control device, automatically extends and retracts the table leaves through a mechanical transmission system involving gears and linkages, eliminating the need for manual effort while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The table system provides self-service through automated motorized operation. The remote control enables the user to independently operate the extension and retraction functions without requiring physical manipulation of the mechanical components, making the system serve itself through automated actuation.
2Volume of moving object
If extension leaves are stored externally, then ease of operation is maintained, but volume efficiency deteriorates due to increased storage space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by storing the extension leaves within the space underneath the main table surface when retracted. The leaves are positioned in a nested configuration within the table's structural framework, allowing compact storage without requiring external storage space, thus maintaining volume efficiency while preserving operational capability.
3Reliability
If simple construction is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction combining multiple materials and components to achieve reliability. The table incorporates a motor assembly, gear mechanisms, linkage systems, and structural framing that work together as a composite system, providing durability and reliability while managing manufacturing complexity through modular assembly of these composite components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex features are added to extendable tables, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases leading to inefficiency and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves adaptability through a universal motorized system that can extend and retract the table to various configurations. The remote control provides multiple operation modes for different extension states, and the mechanical design accommodates various leaf positions, offering versatility without requiring multiple specialized mechanisms, thus managing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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 motorized extendable table can be efficiently operated and controlled remotely, is volumetrically efficient for carrying and storage, and maintains durability and low maintenance costs while retaining effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The motor assembly comprises a motor
Implementation Method 2
The ballbearing side slides are mounted within each end of respective longitudinal rails
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A motorized extendable table (10) having a tabletop assembly (20), first and second extension assemblies (20 and 40), a frame assembly (70), first and second extension frame assemblies (100), a motor housing (160), a computer assembly (180), a motor assembly (200), and a base assembly (250). In operation, the motor assembly (200) moves the extension frame assemblies (100) from a retracted to an extended configuration. Before reaching a fully extended configuration, the extension assemblies (20 and 40) are raised to a same plane as that of the tabletop assembly (20). To go from the extended to the retracted configuration, the motor assembly (200) moves the system in an opposite direction, moving the extension frame assemblies (100) down and back onto a lower plane. Extension frame assemblies (100) continue moving back until the fully retracted configuration is reached.