Portable Table Assembly With Nested Bench for Compact Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing picnic tables remain bulky even 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 a collapsed configuration, where the table and bench collectively reduce in size by at least half in width and height, utilizing pivotable and sliding mechanisms to facilitate easy storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the picnic table is folded or disassembled for storage, then the storage convenience is improved, but the table remains bulky and occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The bench is nested within the table structure when collapsed, with the bench seat positioned inside the table's longitudinal members. This nesting arrangement allows the entire assembly to occupy minimal storage space while maintaining all functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The picnic table employs dynamic folding mechanisms with pivotable connections between table legs, longitudinal members, and bench support members. These dynamic joints enable the structure to transition between expanded functional configuration and collapsed storage configuration, adapting to different usage scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If the picnic table is disassembled into separate parts, then the portability is improved, but the fasteners and structural components can be easily misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The bench and table are merged into a single integrated assembly that remains connected through pivotable joints and movable connections. This merging ensures that all structural components and fasteners remain part of the unified structure during transport, eliminating the risk of parts being misplaced while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The table is segmented into functional modules (table top, longitudinal members, bench, support members) that can move relative to each other through controlled joints, but remain connected as a single assembly. This segmentation allows for compact folding while maintaining component integrity and preventing loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the table and bench are in expanded configuration, then the seating capacity and functionality are improved, but the width and height increase making storage difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The structure utilizes dynamic pivotable and movable connections that allow the table and bench to transition between expanded functional configuration (providing full seating capacity) and collapsed storage configuration (reducing width and height by more than half), adapting to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bench is designed to nest within the table structure when collapsed, with the bench seat and support members positioned inside the longitudinal members of the table. This nesting reduces the overall storage volume while preserving the full seating capacity when expanded.
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.