Side mount table leg assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side mount table legs are cumbersome to mount and dismount, not easily adjustable in height, and occupy too much space when not in use, limiting their versatility and usability in various applications such as boats and microhomes.
Innovation Solution
A side mount table leg assembly with pivotally connectable ends and a sliding adapter system that allows for adjustable height and angle settings, enabling easy mounting and dismounting without tools, and folding for compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a unitary angled table leg with a bend is used, then the structure is simple and rigid, but it is cumbersome to mount and dismount, and not easily adjustable in height
Solution Approach 1:
The table leg is divided into multiple segments: an adapter portion that attaches to the bracket, a first leg portion, and a second leg portion. These segments are connected through pivotable connections, allowing the leg to be assembled and disassembled easily while maintaining structural integrity when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The table leg incorporates pivotable connections that allow dynamic adjustment of the leg's configuration. The adapter portion can pivot relative to the first leg portion, and the first leg portion can pivot relative to the second leg portion, enabling easy mounting, height adjustment, and compact folding for storage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a unitary angled table leg is used, then the structure is rigid, but it is not easily adjustable in height and angles
Solution Approach 1:
The table leg incorporates pivotable connections that allow dynamic adjustment of the leg's configuration. The adapter portion can pivot relative to the first leg portion, and the first leg portion can pivot relative to the second leg portion, enabling easy mounting, height adjustment, and compact folding for storage.
3Volume of moving object
If a unitary angled table leg is used, then the structure is simple, but it occupies too much space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The table leg is divided into multiple segments: an adapter portion that attaches to the bracket, a first leg portion, and a second leg portion. These segments are connected through pivotable connections, allowing the leg to be assembled and disassembled easily while maintaining structural integrity when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented table leg portions can be folded together in a nested configuration when not in use, significantly reducing the storage space required compared to a rigid unitary structure that maintains its full extended dimensions even when not bearing load.
4Reliability
If a set screw is used to affix the table leg to the bracket, then the connection is secure, but it requires tools and is not easily removable
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional set screw fastening mechanism is replaced with a pivotable connection system that uses friction and geometry to maintain secure attachment. The adapter portion pivots within the bracket, creating a reliable connection that can be easily installed and removed without tools by simply applying force to overcome the frictional hold.
Data Source
AI summary
A side mount table leg assembly that is height adjustable to a plurality of heights is disclosed. The table leg assembly comprises an upper leg, a lower leg and a first and a second pivotable connection. The table leg assembly further comprises a side mount adapter configured to be slidably and removably engaged with a mounting bracket that is mountable to a non-horizontal surface. A gear plate at the second pivotable connection is configured to adjust the table leg assembly in three rotatable positions to accommodate different draft angles.