Removable Railway Table With Fold-Down Central Leg for Easy Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing removable tables in public transport vehicles, such as railway vehicles, are bulky and require two operators for movement, posing challenges in reorganization and risk of damage during transport due to collisions with other elements.

Innovation Solution

A removable table design featuring a pivotable central leg that folds down for easier handling, allowing the table to be moved by a single operator, with a support member and gripping mechanism for stable transport and reduced risk of impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the table is designed with a fixed central leg for stability during use, then the table provides structural support and stability, but the table becomes bulky and requires two operators for movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetable stabilityVSAvoidease of movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The central leg is designed to pivot between a deployed position (providing stability during use) and a folded position (enabling easy movement). This dynamic transformation allows the table to adapt its structure based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If the table is designed with a fixed central leg for structural support, then the table maintains its shape and support function, but the table occupies more space and increases the risk of impact during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable central leg transforms from an extended structural support element to a compact folded configuration, reducing the table's volume and space occupation during transport while maintaining structural integrity when deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The central leg folds underneath the tabletop, nesting within the table's overall structure. This nesting approach minimizes the table's external dimensions during transport while preserving the full structural support capability when the leg is deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the table is moved in its extended configuration, then the table maintains its functionality, but the table risks impacting against other elements and causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetable functionalityVSAvoidimpact damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The table transitions to a folded configuration during transport, dynamically adapting its structure to minimize harm from potential impacts. The central leg and movable shelves are positioned to reduce protrusions and vulnerable points that could cause damage during movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates single-operator movement and reduces the risk of damage by minimizing space requirements and stabilizing the table during transport, enabling efficient reconfiguration and storage.

Implementation Method 1

The central leg (18) is pivotable around a pivot connection (26), towards one of the first (12A) or second (12B) lateral edges of the tabletop (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3141152B1A removable table with a reduced bulk, in particular for a railway vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS
  • EP3141152B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The table (10) comprises a top (12) extending, in a longitudinal direction (X), between a first lateral edge (12A) carrying first means (14) for removable attachment to a side wall of the room, and a second free lateral edge (12B), and a central leg (18) extending between a first end (18A) connected to the top and a second end (18B) comprising second means (20) for removable attachment to the floor of the room. The first end (18A) of the central leg (18) is connected to the tray (12) by a pivot connection (26) allowing the central leg (18) to pivot to fold it towards one of the first (12A) or second (12B) lateral edges of the tray (12), and the tray (12) comprises, at the other of the first (12A) or second (12B) lateral edges of the tray, at least one support member (28) on which the tray (12) is intended to rest when the tray (12) is placed on the ground.