Frame for a table
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of height-adjustable table frames is cumbersome and time-consuming due to large, heavy parts and the need for numerous screw operations, often resulting in instability and play in the joints.
Innovation Solution
The motor unit is integrated into the longitudinal member and connected to the drive mechanism of the height-adjustable legs, with a simplified mounting system using U-shaped brackets, axle journals, pins, and a pawl unit to secure the legs, reducing the complexity and size of the frame and stabilizing the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the frame uses traditional box-shaped housing with separate motor and transmission components, then the drive mechanism is robust, but the assembly becomes cumbersome and time-consuming due to large, heavy parts and numerous screw operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the motor unit, transmission, and telescopic guide into a single unified lifting column structure. The motor unit is positioned within the telescopic guide housing, and the transmission components are arranged within the same housing space, eliminating the need for separate box-shaped housings and reducing the number of assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting column serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the motor unit, contains the transmission mechanism, and guides the telescopic movement. This multi-functional design consolidates what would traditionally require separate components, thereby reducing assembly complexity and time.
2Ease of manufacture
If the frame uses traditional separate components requiring multiple screw operations, then the parts can be manufactured independently, but the assembly requires precise placement and numerous screw operations making it troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The motor unit housing and telescopic guide housing are merged into a single integrated structure. This integration reduces the number of separate parts that need to be assembled with screws, while still allowing for independent manufacturing of the integrated housing and the motor unit before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the motor unit as a separate manufacturable component that can be independently produced and then integrated into the telescopic guide housing. This allows the motor unit to be manufactured separately using optimized processes while simplifying the overall assembly process.
3Device complexity
If the lifting column uses in-line design with motor built into the leg, then the construction is simplified, but the joint becomes subject to great play due to hinging making the table appear unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism with spring-loaded pawls that automatically engage with notches on the telescopic guide. This dynamic system maintains stability during operation by preventing backward movement while allowing controlled adjustment, eliminating the play associated with simple hinged joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pawl acts as an intermediary element between the telescopic guide and the lifting column. It mediates the connection by providing automatic mechanical locking that prevents play and instability while maintaining the simplified in-line construction.
4Ease of manufacture
If the frame uses traditional assembly with multiple separate components, then the design allows for modular manufacturing, but the resulting assembly is heavy and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The motor unit housing and telescopic guide housing are merged into a single integrated structure, reducing the total number of separate components. This integration eliminates the weight of additional housings, fasteners, and mounting brackets that would be required for separate components, while still allowing for modular manufacturing of the integrated unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for sit-stand-tables comprising a longitudinal member (3), two height-adjustable legs (6, 7) with at least two telescopic profiles, namely an outer and an inner profile, and with a driving mechanism, driven by a motor unit (39), comprising an electric motor (46) and a gear. According to the invention the motor unit (39) is arranged in the longitudinal member (3) and connected to the driving mechanism in the height-adjustable legs (6, 7). Thus, a frame with a simplified construction is achieved. The construction of the legs (6, 7) can be simplified and at the same time the dimensions can be reduced, as it is not necessary to take the building-in of a motor into the legs into consideration. As both legs (6, 7) are driven by a joint motor unit (39), the electric control can also be simplified as it will not have to drive the two legs synchronously.