Nested Folding Table Legs for Low-Force Single-Person Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding tables often require substantial strength to fold and unfold, frequently necessitating the assistance of more than one person due to the design of their foldable legs.
Innovation Solution
A folding table design featuring a plank rotationally connected to a vertical support member, with legs that fold and nest into each other, allowing for easier deployment and stowage, and incorporating adjustable and pivotally connected components for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional foldable legs are used, then the table can be folded for storage, but substantial strength is required to fold and unfold requiring more than one person
Solution Approach 1:
The leg is divided into multiple sections (first leg first section and first leg second section) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the leg to fold in a controlled manner, reducing the force needed compared to moving a solid leg as one piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The first leg first section nests within or alongside the first leg second section during folding. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage while distributing the mechanical work across multiple moving parts, making folding easier to perform by a single person.
2Volume of moving object
If the first leg first section slides relative to the first leg second section, then the leg achieves compact nesting, but the leg structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The leg structure transitions from a static solid leg to a dynamic multi-section leg where the first leg first section can slide relative to the first leg second section. This dynamic design enables compact nesting for storage while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg is segmented into movable sections connected by joints, allowing the first leg first section to slide within the first leg second section. This segmentation creates a telescoping effect that reduces storage volume while the modular joint design keeps the overall complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding table has a plank, a substantially vertical support member, and a first leg that can have a first leg first section and a first leg second section. The first leg first section slides relative to the first leg second section when the table is folded between a deployed position and a stowed position. The first leg has an adjustable length. The first leg has a first leg upper joint allowing the first leg to fold between a first leg deployed position and a vertical stowed position. A second leg has a second leg first section and a second leg second section. The second leg first section is jointed to the second leg second section. The second leg has a second leg upper joint connected to the plank or the plank frame.