Quick Assembly Table Using Sliding Slot and Annular Beam Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional table connection methods, such as welding and screws, make assembly and disassembly inconvenient and prone to loosening, lacking flexibility in adjusting leg positions.
Innovation Solution
A quick assembly table design featuring a sliding slot on the tabletop and legs connected by an annular beam with a locking screw, allowing for adjustable and screw-less assembly and disassembly, using a dual-head stud locking mechanism and frustum-structured tenon and mortise for precise fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding, screws, or tenon-mortise structures are used to connect the tabletop, legs, and beams, then the connection strength is improved, but the convenience of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into modular components: the annular beam is divided into multiple arc beams that can be independently assembled, and the connection between legs and tabletop is separated into distinct sliding slots and sliding legs components. This segmentation enables easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining connection strength through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding slot acts as an intermediary mechanism between the legs and tabletop, allowing the legs to slide into position and be securely held without requiring screws or welding. The arc beams serve as intermediaries connecting adjacent legs, providing structural integrity while maintaining ease of assembly through the sliding and locking mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional connection methods are used, then the structural stability is improved, but the flexibility of adjusting leg positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable one. The legs can slide along the sliding slots to adjust their positions, and the arc beams can be locked at different positions using the locking screw mechanism. This dynamic design maintains structural stability when locked while providing flexibility for adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg positions can be adjusted by changing the parameters of the connection system - specifically, the position of the legs along the sliding slots and the tension applied by the locking screw. This allows the table to adapt to different spatial requirements while maintaining structural integrity through the constrained sliding mechanism.
3Reliability
If locking screws are used to secure the annular beam, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the traditional screw-connection paradigm and implemented through a dedicated locking screw mechanism that expands the arc beams. This extracted locking mechanism provides reliable connection while maintaining ease of operation through the simple expand-and-lock action, which is easier to operate than traditional screw fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking screw mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the expansion action. When the locking screw is tightened, it automatically expands the arc beams to create a secure connection without requiring additional tools or complex operations. The dual-head stud design with reverse threads enables easy manual operation while ensuring reliable self-locking.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the annular beam is expanded to push the legs to slide, then the adjustability of leg positions is improved, but the friction between tenon and mortise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tenon and mortise are pre-formed with frustum structures that guide the insertion and reduce initial friction. The auxiliary notches are pre-cut to facilitate the mating process, allowing the legs to slide into position with minimal friction before the locking mechanism is engaged. This preliminary preparation reduces the energy loss during the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The frustum structure of the tenon and mortise changes the geometric parameters of the connection interface, creating a tapered fit that reduces friction during insertion while maintaining a secure final position. The auxiliary notches modify the surface geometry to reduce contact friction, enabling smooth sliding adjustment with minimal energy loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick assembly table and an installation method is disclosed. The table includes a tabletop and legs. The legs are evenly arranged at a bottom of the tabletop, a sliding slot is disposed at the bottom of the tabletop, the legs slide along and fit into the sliding slot, the legs are connected by an annular beam in between, the annular beam is fitted with a locking screw, and the locking screw expands or shrinks the annular beam to push the legs to slide along the sliding slot. The tabletop and legs are installed in a slide-and-fit manner without screws, and are convenient to assemble and disassemble. In addition, relative locations between all the legs and the tabletop can be adjusted synchronously through expansion or shrinkage of the annular beam, making adjustment flexible and convenient.