Portable Table Assembly With Nested Bench for Compact Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable picnic tables remain bulky in their folded and disassembled configurations, and parts such as fasteners and structural components can be easily misplaced during disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A portable table assembly with a movable bench that transitions between an expanded configuration and multiple collapsed configurations, utilizing pivotable and sliding mechanisms to reduce overall size, and incorporating a frame with lateral and longitudinal side members that rotate and slide to facilitate compact storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the picnic table is folded or disassembled for storage, then storage and transportation convenience is improved, but the table remains bulky and occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The bench is designed to nest within the table structure when collapsed. The bench components are positioned inside the table's frame and support structures, allowing the entire assembly to occupy minimal storage space while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The table is divided into separable components including the table top, bench, and support structures that can be independently folded or detached. This segmentation allows each component to be compacted efficiently and stored in an organized manner, reducing overall storage volume.
2Ease of operation
If the picnic table is disassembled into components, then portability is improved, but fasteners and structural components can be easily misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
Storage compartments are integrated into the table structure itself, such as pockets in the table top or compartments within the frame. These built-in storage areas provide dedicated spaces for fasteners and small components, ensuring they remain organized and attached to the table assembly rather than being loose and prone to misplacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the table uses traditional folding mechanisms, then collapsibility is achieved, but the folded configuration remains long and flat rather than compact
Solution Approach 1:
The table employs three-dimensional collapsing mechanisms that reduce the structure in multiple directions simultaneously. Instead of simple flat folding, the table top and bench fold in on themselves vertically and horizontally, transforming from a large horizontal footprint to a compact vertical stack that fits into minimal storage space.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a table and a bench movably coupled to the table. The table and the bench collectively have a first configuration and a second configuration. The table has a first width when the table and the bench are in the first configuration. The table and the bench collectively have a first height when the table and the bench are in the first configuration. The table and the bench collectively have a second width and a second height when the table and the bench are in the second configuration. The second width is less than half of the first width, and the second height is less than half of the first width.