Slider with Elastic Pin Locking for Foldable Table Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tables are often not foldable and require user assembly, making them inconvenient for transportation and storage due to separate packaging of tabletops and legs, which can be time-consuming and difficult.
Innovation Solution
The development of control mechanisms, including locking/unlocking mechanisms, folding/unfolding mechanisms, and sliders, integrated into frames and tables, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and size adjustment, with features like sliding sleeves, pivoting portions, and elastic members to facilitate movement and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tables are made foldable with integrated mechanisms, then ease of transportation and storage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated mechanisms: the locking mechanism integrates both locking and unlocking functions in a single device, the folding mechanism merges leg support and folding functions, and the slider combines positioning and adjustment capabilities. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining foldability and transportation convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The table is divided into separable modules that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The legs are segmented to allow folding, the locking mechanism is separated as an independent component that can engage with different positions, and the slider is a distinct element for height adjustment. This segmentation enables easy transportation and storage while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
2Reliability
If locking mechanisms use elastic members to push pins into holes, then reliability of locking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through elastic members (springs) that automatically push pins into corresponding holes when the table legs are in the desired position. The elastic member continuously applies force to maintain the locked state without requiring active control or additional power sources. This self-service approach improves reliability by ensuring consistent locking while avoiding complex control systems.
3Ease of operation
If folding mechanisms are integrated into table legs, then ease of storage is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The table legs are designed with dynamic folding capabilities, allowing them to transition between extended and retracted positions. The folding mechanism incorporates movable joints and connecting elements that enable the legs to fold parallel to the tabletop. While this adds some manufacturing complexity compared to fixed legs, the design uses standard mechanical joint configurations that can be produced using conventional manufacturing processes, balancing storage convenience with manufacturability.
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
Enables convenient folding and unfolding of tables, easy transportation, and adjustable height, enhancing user convenience and stability while reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is engaged with the pillar formed at the first side wall of the sleeve, and has a first end abutting the first side wall of the sleeve and a second end abutting the second portion of the lever. When the first hole formed at the first side wall of the sleeve aligns with a hole of the first bar, the elastic member pushes the pin into the first hole formed at the first side wall of the sleeve and the hole of the first bar
Implementation Method 2
The lever includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion between the first and second portions. The first end portion is aligned with the first hole formed at the first side wall of the sleeve, the second end portion is aligned with the pillar formed at the first side wall of the sleeve, and the middle portion is pivotally connected with the casing
Implementation Method 3
The pivoting portion is integrally formed or coupled with the first side wall of the sleeve, and configured to pivotally couple with a second bar
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are control mechanisms, frames and tables. A slider includes a sleeve, a pivoting portion and a controller. The sleeve is configured to slidably couple with a first bar, and a first hole and a pillar are formed at a first side wall of the sleeve. The pivoting portion is integrally formed or coupled with the first side wall of the sleeve, and configured to pivotally couple with a second bar. The controller is disposed side by side with the pivoting portion along a longitudinal direction of the sleeve, and configured to control movement of the sleeve along the first bar. The controller includes a casing, a lever pivotally connected with the casing, a pin integrally formed or coupled with the lever, and an elastic member selectively pushing the pin into the first hole and a hole of the first bar, thereby restricting movement of the sleeve with respect to the first bar.