Portable table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable tables fail to collapse compactly due to rigid tops and limited folding mechanisms, and they often do not provide a level surface on non-level surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A portable table design featuring elastic strings that connect and separate support frames and hubs, allowing for easy folding and unfolding, compact storage, and adjustable leg frames of different lengths to level the surface on uneven ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the table uses rigid support frames and hubs, then the table provides structural strength and stability when erected, but the table cannot collapse into a compact form for portable storage
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into separable components including support frames, hubs, leg frames, and top sheet that can be detached and stored separately. The support frames can be removed from the hubs, and the top sheet can be completely detached, allowing each component to be stored in a compact manner while maintaining structural integrity when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The support frames are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, with frames positioned to fit inside one another. The leg frames can be stored within the support frames or hubs, creating a nested configuration that minimizes storage volume while preserving the rigid structural elements needed for strength
2Ease of manufacture
If the table uses fixed-length leg frames, then the manufacturing is simple, but the table cannot be leveled on non-level surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The table employs leg frames of different lengths to match the typical asymmetry of non-level surfaces. By providing legs in varying lengths, the table can be configured to compensate for uneven ground, allowing one or more legs to be longer than others to achieve a level top surface despite the underlying terrain variations
Solution Approach 2:
The table allows for dynamic adjustment of leg configuration by enabling the user to select and attach different length leg frames based on the specific terrain conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the same table structure to function effectively on both level and non-level surfaces through simple reconfiguration
3Volume of moving object
If the table uses complex folding mechanisms, then the table can collapse compactly, but the ease of operation and assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic strings are pre-attached to the hubs and support frames during manufacturing, creating a self-assembling system. When the user inserts the support frames into the hubs, the elastic strings automatically engage and secure the connections without requiring additional fastening operations. This self-service mechanism simplifies assembly while enabling compact collapse
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
The table collapses into a small, portable form, remains rigid when erected, and can be used on non-level surfaces, ensuring stability and ease of use in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elastic strings that allow the frames to be laid over each other in a variety of ways to compact the table
Implementation Method 2
One or more elastic strings connect to the end of one or more of the frames, keeping those frames and any hubs through which the elastic string passes together for quick reassembly
Data Source
AI summary
The portable table described herein includes: hubs respectively installed at front left, front right, rear left, and rear right corners of the table; four frames separably connecting to the hubs to form a four sided table top; front left, front right, rear left and rear right leg frames, each respectively having base ends separably coupled to the surfaces of the respective hubs and respectively having free ends disposed in a manner extending toward the ground surface; and a top sheet coupled to the support frames forming a table top with four leg frames. The leg frames may be of differing length to position the table in a more level position when placed on a non-level surface. The structural rigidity is excellent, and the table may stand on a surface in a stable position.