Sliding Side Table Layout for Compact Foldable Chairs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable chairs face a challenge in integrating a side accessory, such as a side table, without compromising their folding ability or portability, as existing designs either hinder the folding mechanism or prevent compact storage and transportation.

Innovation Solution

A foldable chair design featuring a sliding side accessory arrangement that hides underneath the seat frame when not in use, allowing it to extend sideways for supporting objects without interfering with the folding mechanism, thus maintaining compact size and portability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a side table is foldably attached to a seat frame, then a user is able to use the side table for writing purposes, but the chairs cannot be reduced to compact size and are difficult to store or transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveside table functionalityVSAvoidchair size when folded

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The side accessory is nested within the receiving cavity formed by the supporting legs when folded. The sliding frame allows the side accessory to be stored inside the leg frame structure, similar to nested dolls, enabling compact folding while maintaining side table functionality when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The side accessory is designed to be dynamically adjustable through the sliding frame mechanism. It can slide between extended and retracted positions, allowing the chair to adapt between providing side table functionality and achieving compact folding size, making the system dynamic rather than static

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a side table is foldably attached to a seat frame, then writing functionality is provided, but the folding mechanism is hindered and portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessory functionalityVSAvoidfolding operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The side accessory is segmented from the main chair structure through the sliding frame design. It is not permanently attached but can be independently slid into or out of the receiving cavity, allowing the folding operation to proceed without interference while maintaining accessory functionality when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side accessory is extracted from the traditional fixed attachment method and repositioned to slide within the receiving cavity formed by the supporting legs. This extraction allows the accessory to be removed from the folding path, eliminating interference with the folding mechanism while preserving functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If an accessory is added onto a foldable chair, then user convenience is enhanced, but the original mechanical structure is interfered with and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidmechanical structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving cavity, originally designed simply as space between supporting legs for folding, is made multi-functional by allowing the sliding frame and side accessory to operate within it. This universal use of existing space enhances user convenience without adding complex external structures or increasing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the integration of a side accessory without affecting the chair's folding operation or original mechanical structure, enhancing user convenience and reducing manufacturing costs by allowing the chair to retain its compact size and optimal portability.

Implementation Method 1

a leg frame comprising a plurality of supporting legs pivotally connected with each other and the seat frame for moving between a folded position and an unfolded position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical pivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

a side accessory coupled with the sliding frame, and is arranged to slide between an idle position and an operation position when the leg frame is in the unfolded position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSliding mechanism: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8333428B2Foldable chair with side table

Publication Date: 2012.12.18 IP POWER HOLDINGS LIMITED(CN)

AI summary

A foldable chair includes a seat frame, a leg frame and a side accessory arrangement. The side accessory arrangement includes a sliding frame provided on the leg frame at a position underneath the seat frame, and a side accessory coupled with the sliding frame, and is arranged to slide between an idle position and an operation position when the leg frame is in the unfolded position, wherein in the idle position, the side accessory is inwardly slid with respective to the leg frame through the sliding frame to hide in the receiving cavity, wherein in the operation position, the side accessory is outwardly slid from the receiving cavity with respective to the leg frame through the sliding frame for allowing a user to put an object on the side accessory.