Retractable column structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable column structures for electric lifting tables experience wobbling and instability due to a significant gap between the inner and outer tubes, which affects the stability and comfort of use.
Innovation Solution
A retractable column structure that includes an outer tubular member with slots and protrusions and a retaining bracket with locking hooks, allowing for secure clamping and smooth sliding between the inner and outer tubular members, enhancing stability and flatness while facilitating manufacturing and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dimension of the inner edge of the outer tube is made greater than the dimension of the outer edge of the inner tube to allow easy penetration and sliding, then the ease of operation is improved, but a gap of greater distance is formed between the walls of the inner tube and outer tube causing wobbling and instability
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining bracket is introduced as an intermediary component between the inner tubular member and outer tubular member. The bracket includes locking hooks that engage with protrusions formed at the rear ends of slots in the outer tubular member, creating a mechanical connection that eliminates the gap and prevents wobbling while still allowing the inner tube to slide smoothly during height adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is segmented into distinct functional elements: slots in the outer tubular member, protrusions at the rear ends of slots, and locking hooks on the retaining bracket. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function - the slots provide guidance, the protrusions provide engagement points, and the locking hooks provide secure connection - while working together to resolve the contradiction between ease of operation and stability.
2Shape
If slots are formed extending from the end surface to the inner surface of the outer tubular member, then the appealing appearance effect and flatness are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slots in the outer tubular member serve multiple functions simultaneously: they improve the aesthetic appearance by creating flat surfaces, they provide structural reinforcement to prevent deformation, and they serve as engagement pathways for the locking hooks of the retaining bracket. This multi-functionality allows the slots to address multiple requirements without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable column structure includes an outer tubular member (10), a retaining bracket (20) and an inner tubular member (30). The outer tubular member (10) includes a wall (11) having outer (111), inner (112) and end (113) surfaces. The outer tubular member (10) includes slots (114) extending from the end surface (113) to the inner surface (112). A rear end of each slot (114) includes a protrusion (115) protruding out of the inner surface (112). The retaining bracket (20) includes a frame member (21) abutted against the wall (11) and locking hooks (22) inserted into the inner surface (112) and locked onto each corresponding protrusion (115). The inner tubular member (30) moveably penetrates into the retaining bracket (20) disposed between the tubular members and is concealed inside the outer tubular member (10). Accordingly, excellent support of inner and outer tubular members can be achieved for stable sliding therebetween.