Movable Conference Table Top With Ganging and Braked Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conference tables in office settings are inflexible, requiring multiple tables and extensive setup to create a larger working surface, which is cumbersome and inefficient, especially when power and data connections need to be managed.

Innovation Solution

A conference table with a sliding or movable top relative to its base, allowing adjustment between centered and extended positions, and the ability to join with another table to form a single large surface, with integrated braking and cable management systems to facilitate easy reconfiguration without moving the base or pedestals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conference tables are fixed in location, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability and reconfigurability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable reconfigurabilityVSAvoidtable structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The table is divided into two independent components: a fixed base and a movable table top. The base remains stationary providing stability, while the table top can be independently moved and repositioned along the base to create different configurations or join with other tables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The table top is designed to be dynamically movable relative to the base through a sliding mechanism. This allows the table to transition between fixed and reconfigured states, enabling adaptability while maintaining structural support from the stationary base.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of moving object

If multiple separate tables are used to create a larger working surface, then area is increased, but setup time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworking surface areaVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple table tops can be moved toward each other and joined together to form a single large continuous working surface. This merging capability allows two or more tables to function as one unified table, increasing the working area without requiring separate setup procedures for each table.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The table is designed with dual functionality: it can operate as an individual table or combine with other identical tables to form larger configurations. The standardized base and table top design with joining mechanisms enables this multi-functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the entire table is moved to reconfigure the layout, then position flexibility is achieved, but handling difficulty and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout flexibilityVSAvoidtable handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The table system separates the heavy base (which remains fixed) from the lighter table top (which is moved). This segmentation allows reconfiguration by moving only the table top portion, significantly reducing the effort and time required compared to moving the entire table assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable table top is extracted as a separate operable component from the fixed base. This extraction allows the table top to be independently manipulated, slid, and repositioned without the inertia and weight constraints of the complete table structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Area of moving object

If tables are joined to form a single unit, then working surface area is maximized, but structural alignment precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombined table areaVSAvoidtable alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The joining mechanism incorporates specialized alignment features and connection structures at the interface between table tops and bases. These localized precision elements ensure accurate alignment and secure connection when tables are joined, maintaining structural integrity across the combined surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9089207B2Conference table with movable table top and ganging capability

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 NUCRAFT FURNITURE CO

AI summary

A table includes a base and a table top that is movably disposed at the base and is movable relative to the base between a generally centered position, where the table top is generally centered at the base, and an extended position, where the table top is extended from the base. A braking device may be operable to retain the table top relative to the base in selected positions between the generally centered position and the extended position and to allow for movement of the table top relative to the base between the generally centered position and the extended position. The braking device may include a braking element that engages a braking rail to limit movement of the table top relative to the base. The table tops of two separated tables may be selectively joined when extended towards one another and separated when centered.