Movable Table Angular Leg Assembly for Inline Fastening Strength

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Standard table assemblies with angular connections are prone to failure due to insecure connections between the base, leg, and surface, leading to higher manufacturing and shipping costs, and existing fixed assemblies do not provide a robust and cost-effective solution.

Innovation Solution

A table assembly with a single angular leg or stem secured to the base and surface using fasteners, featuring integrated connecting nubs and apertures that align for inline fastening, preventing counter-directional forces and ensuring a robust connection without unnecessary torque.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If angular connections are used between base, leg, and surface, then flexibility and comfort are improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to insecure fastening

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (the angular connection mechanism with cavity and nub) that mediates between the base/leg/surface components. This intermediary structure provides a dedicated interface for angular fastening, allowing flexibility in configuration while ensuring reliable connection through the cavity-nub interface that prevents counter-directional forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection parameter from standard 90-degree angles to variable angular connections. The connecting nubs are positioned at specific angles relative to the base and surface, allowing the connection to accommodate different angular configurations while maintaining structural integrity through the engineered cavity-nub interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed assembly without fasteners is used, then manufacturing and shipping costs are reduced, but connection strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from a separate component and integrates it into the structure itself through the cavity-nub interface. The connecting nubs are formed as integral parts of the base and surface, with cavities provided to receive fasteners, thereby providing robust mechanical connection while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the structural components (base, leg, surface) with the fastening interface (cavities and nubs) into a unified assembly. The connecting nubs are integrated directly within the construction of the base and surface, combining structural support and connection functions in a single robust assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If standard 90-degree connections are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited positioning options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidpositioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric angular connections where the connecting nubs are positioned at specific non-standard angles relative to the base and surface. This asymmetric configuration provides multiple positioning options and flexibility in arrangement while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the standardized cavity-nub interface design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11406179B2Movable table with angled leg and assembly of the same
Publication Date: 2022.08.09 GRABOWSKI DANIEL
  • US11406179B2 patent drawing
  • US11406179B2 patent drawing
  • US11406179B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A movable table assembly comprising a base portion and a table support each having angular connecting nub with an interior cavity to enable fastening inline with a support leg. The preferred assembly utilizes a base portion, a support leg, a table support, and a table. The base portion and table support being generally planar and having a first side and second side defined by an edge around a perimeter. The support leg coupled between the base portion and table support to generally provide a movable work surface, wherein the table and base portion are generally positioned parallel to a ground surface despite the angular connection.