Sliding Modesty Panel Hinge to Prevent Table Pinch Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Convertible tables with folding modesty panels often create pinch points that can injure or damage users' fingers or objects as the panel pivots, as existing designs fail to adequately prevent pinching.

Innovation Solution

A convertible table design featuring a pivotally coupled modesty panel with a hinge configuration that includes a pivot axle located inwardly, allowing the panel to pivot between vertically and horizontally oriented positions while sliding to create a gap that prevents pinching, and a spring to bias the panel into a retracted position, reducing the risk of pinch points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the modesty panel is pivotally coupled to the tabletop to allow extension, then the table width can be extended, but pinch points are created that can injure users or damage objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable width extensionVSAvoidpinch point injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A spring mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the modesty panel and the tabletop. The spring applies continuous pressure to maintain a gap between the panel and tabletop during pivoting, preventing direct contact that would create pinch points. This intermediary force field eliminates the harmful effect while preserving the extension function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by pre-positioning the modesty panel at a safe distance from the tabletop before any pinching can occur. The spring continuously pushes the panel away, creating a protective buffer zone that prevents injury to users or damage to objects before the harmful effect can manifest.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Shape

If the modesty panel is positioned close to the tabletop edge for aesthetic purposes, then the appearance is improved, but the risk of pinch points increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidpinch point risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring acts as an intermediary that allows the panel to be positioned aesthetically close to the tabletop edge while maintaining a protective gap. The spring force ensures the panel never makes contact with the tabletop, reconciling the aesthetic desire for proximity with the safety requirement for separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the gap parameter between the modesty panel and tabletop. The spring maintains a variable gap distance that allows aesthetic positioning while preventing contact. The gap parameter is adjusted through the spring's elastic deformation to balance appearance and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The design effectively prevents pinch points by allowing the modesty panel to slide and pivot without trapping objects, ensuring user safety and preventing damage during transitions between orientations.

Implementation Method 1

A spring is coupled between the modesty panel and the hinge to bias the modesty panel in the retracted position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8671850B2Convertible tabletop with pivotal modesty panel

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 MITY LITE INC

AI summary

A convertible table has a modesty panel pivotally coupled to a tabletop by a hinge fixed to the tabletop. The modesty panel is slidably coupled to the hinge and movable towards and away from the tabletop.