Nestable Table Frame With Glide Ganging for Space-Saving Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable tables are cumbersome to arrange and move, require significant labor and time, and do not efficiently utilize storage space, especially when needing to accommodate multiple uses and aesthetically pleasing arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A stackable, nestable, and gangable table design featuring a wire frame base with a modesty panel and recessed work surface, incorporating glide members for stable stacking and ganging, and accessory mounting options to minimize space and effort, including a pouch carrier for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If tables are made stackable and nestable to reduce storage space, then floor space utilization improves, but the tables become heavy and difficult to move and arrange
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into separate components: a table top, a modesty panel, and a wire frame base with glide members. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the glide members on the base enabling easy movement and stacking without requiring the entire table to be heavy or complex
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables tables to be nested within each other through the wire frame base structure and glide members, allowing multiple tables to occupy minimal storage space while maintaining ease of movement. The nested configuration is achieved without requiring the tables to be overly heavy or complicated
2Productivity
If tables are designed to be stackable with proper spacing and stability, then storage efficiency improves, but the arrangement becomes cumbersome and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The glide members are designed to automatically guide the stacking and nesting process. When tables are brought together, the glide members self-align and facilitate the stacking action without requiring precise manual positioning or complex alignment procedures, thereby reducing time and labor
Solution Approach 2:
The glide members are positioned at specific locations on the wire frame base and angled at specific degrees (e.g., 92 degrees) to optimize the stacking geometry. These parameter optimizations enable smooth, intuitive stacking that minimizes effort and time while maximizing storage efficiency
3Stability of the object's composition
If glide members are added to facilitate stable stacking and ganging, then stacking stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire table complex, the glide members are added only to specific locations on the wire frame base where they are needed for stacking and ganging. This localized addition provides the necessary stability without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire table structure
Solution Approach 2:
The glide members are positioned asymmetrically on the wire frame base, with different positions and angles on different sides. This asymmetric configuration provides optimized stability for both stacking and ganging operations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Data Source
AI summary
A stackable, nestable, and gangable table for use in varied environments such as classrooms, conferences, testing, etc includes a wire frame scaled according to the anticipated use, a table top and a modesty panel angled obtusely from the table top to accommodate stacking and/or nesting of the tables. The table further includes glide members on the wire frame base that accommodates the ganging of tables next to one another. The glide members are mounted on the base in such a manner that they engage the opposing glides on the aligned consecutive table. The table also includes a mounting mechanism for mounting accessories such as a side storage pouch to provide additional storage and help delineate the personal work space of each table.