Parasol Stand Side Table Sleeve for Wobble-Free Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing side tables for parasols are not compact, simple, or stable enough to serve as a wobble-free surface for holding multiple items, especially when only placed on one side, and require additional setup and storage space.

Innovation Solution

A side table design featuring a one-piece central mounting sleeve with an outwardly protruding edge and a radially projecting circular ring, allowing for secure attachment to a parasol stand with enhanced stability, using an insert sleeve and attachment sleeve combination that ensures a snug fit and stability, and optionally equipped with a locking mechanism for increased stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate side table is used, then storage space for drinks and items is provided, but it requires additional setup and storage space and is not integrated with the parasol

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration with parasolVSAvoidadditional object setup
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side table is merged with the parasol stand by integrating the table support into the parasol's base tube. The mounting sleeve is attached to the parasol stand, and the table top is supported by the same base tube that holds the parasol, creating a unified structure that eliminates the need for separate side tables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The parasol stand is given multiple functions: it supports both the parasol canopy and the side table. The base tube serves dual purposes as both the parasol support and the table mounting structure, allowing one object to perform multiple functions and reducing the need for additional separate objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a mounting sleeve is used to attach the table top to the base tube, then the table can be set up quickly, but stability is insufficient when carrying multiple items

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequick setupVSAvoidtable stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into distinct functional segments: the mounting sleeve for attachment to the base tube, the support structure with vertical support element, and the table top with recess. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide both ease of assembly and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The table top includes a recess specifically designed to receive and secure the vertical support element. This localized feature provides precise positioning and stability at the critical connection point between the table top and the support structure, ensuring stability when carrying items while maintaining simple overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the table top is directly placed on the base tube, then assembly is simple, but the table surface is unstable and wobbles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidtable surface stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A mounting sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the base tube and the table top support structure. This intermediate element provides a stable mounting interface, distributing loads and ensuring proper alignment, thereby eliminating wobble while maintaining assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting sleeve is inserted into the base tube, creating a nested configuration where the sleeve is contained within the larger tube structure. This nesting provides structural stability and proper positioning without requiring complex external fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Device complexity

If a compact one-piece sleeve design is used, then the structure is simple and compact, but stability may be compromised compared to multi-component designs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidattachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting sleeve and support structure are merged into a integrated one-piece component. This single element combines the functions of mounting to the base tube and supporting the table top, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining stability through the unified design that eliminates weak points at connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3226722B1Side table for a sun umbrella
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 MP SYST
  • EP3226722B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3226722B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3226722B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The side table is formed by an insertion sleeve having a outwardly projecting edge on one upper end thereof, such that same can be inserted from above into the stand tube (11) of a sun umbrella stand, and is held at the opening of the stand tube (11) by its projecting edge, and is closed in a flush manner with the outer wall of the stand tube (11). The side table is also provided with a positioning fitting (5) having a slightly greater inner diameter than the outer diameter of the insertion sleeve. The positioning fitting (5) has an inwardly projecting edge on the upper end thereof. With the underside of said edge, the positioning fitting (5) can be positioned on the upper edge of the insertion sleeve. On the outside, the positioning fitting (5) has a peripheral, radially protruding circular ring (8). An associated table plate (9) can be pulled over the positioning fitting (5) by its central hole, after which same rests on the circular ring (8).