Outdoor Table With Integrated Heating and Gap-Based Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor tables with integrated heating appliances face issues such as heat conduction damaging the table top and difficulty in operating the heating controls for seated individuals, particularly those in wheelchairs due to the placement of actuators underneath the table.
Innovation Solution
A table design featuring a heating appliance holder with gaps to reduce heat conduction to the table top and actuators extending above the table top for easy control, allowing for airflow and enabling wheelchair accessibility with a cantilevered table top and removable portions for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the heating appliance holder is in direct contact with the table top, then structural stability is improved, but heat conduction damages the table top
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary gap between the heating appliance holder and the table top, preventing direct thermal contact while maintaining structural support through the holder's legs extending to the ground
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is segmented into multiple legs rather than a continuous base, allowing heat isolation while maintaining stability through distributed support points
2Device complexity
If the actuator is placed underneath the table top, then the heating appliance is compact, but it becomes difficult to operate when seated
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator control mechanism is extended from the horizontal plane (under the table) to the vertical dimension (above the table top), making it accessible to seated users while keeping the main appliance body compact
3Stability of the object's composition
If the table top is fixed to the holder, then structural stability is improved, but wheelchair accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The table top is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing it to be removed or repositioned to accommodate wheelchair users while maintaining stability during normal use
4Strength
If the table top is solid and fixed, then structural integrity is improved, but storage space efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The table top is divided into removable portions that can be detached and stored elsewhere, reducing storage footprint while maintaining structural integrity when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The table top transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic removable configuration, enabling compact storage when not in use while providing full functionality when assembled
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
Prevents table top damage from heat conduction and facilitates easy operation of the heating appliance for seated users, including those in wheelchairs, while providing a warm and visually appealing ambience.
Implementation Method 1
By the heating appliance holder having the at least one gap, this reduces heat being conducted to the table top from the heating appliance via the heating appliance holder which can prevent the table top from being charred
Implementation Method 2
Air can flow through the at least one gap
Implementation Method 3
a fire box with a fire box chamber and a chamber opening at a top of the fire box for placing inside the fire box combustible fuel, such as wood or charcoal, with which the heating appliance is used
Data Source
AI summary
A table (1) comprises a table top (4), a heating appliance (3), and a heating appliance holder (2) holding the heating appliance (3). The heating appliance holder (2) comprises a holder main body (7) and a table top holder (8) for holding the table top (4), the table top holder (8) being spaced apart from the holder main body (7) by at least one gap (20).