Sliding Tabletop Damper Integration for Finger-Safe Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table safety devices with movable table tops are cumbersome to operate, costly, and require separate locking levers that need to be manually actuated and attached to easily accessible locations, posing design and production challenges.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a damper into the sliding mechanism, such as a damper plunger within a damper housing, which engages a stop before the table top reaches its final position, increasing sliding resistance and eliminating the need for separate safety devices, allowing the table top to be closed with greater force without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locking levers are used as safety devices, then finger safety is ensured, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is merged with the existing slider component. The damper is integrated directly into the slider, combining the safety function with the displacement mechanism. This eliminates separate locking levers and reduces the number of additional parts while maintaining finger safety through the damping effect that prevents sudden movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider is given multiple functions: it guides the tabletop displacement and simultaneously houses the safety device (damper). This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating dedicated safety components and integrating the safety function into an existing structural element.
2Reliability
If separate locking levers are used, then safety function is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual actuation requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device operates automatically based on the tabletop's movement. The damper provides continuous damping force during displacement without requiring manual actuation. The system serves itself by using the movement energy to activate the safety function, eliminating the need for separate manual operations.
3Ease of operation
If locking levers are attached to easily accessible locations, then ease of operation improves, but design flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is combined with the slider which is already positioned at the edge of the tabletop. This integration eliminates the need to separately locate and attach control elements, providing both ease of operation and design flexibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider serves as both the displacement guide and the mounting structure for the safety device. This multi-functionality allows the safety device to be positioned optimally for both operation and design integration, accommodating different table types and configurations.
4Reliability
If multiple separate safety components are used, then safety reliability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is merged with the slider, reducing the total number of components. This integration simplifies manufacturing by eliminating separate production and assembly steps for dedicated safety components, while the damper provides sufficient safety reliability through its damping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the slider. This approach uses a cost-effective safety solution that meets reliability requirements without the high costs associated with complex mechanical locking systems.
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 solution simplifies and cost-reduces the safety device, minimizing additional parts and eliminating the need for manual operation of separate locking levers, ensuring finger safety without requiring attachment to accessible locations, while allowing for easy adaptation to different table types.
Implementation Method 1
a damper integrated into the sliding piece or attached to it, which has a damper plunger that projects beyond the sliding piece and can be pushed into the damper housing with damping
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The table has a table top overlying on a plate carrying unit (1) and movable relative to the rack between a forward usage final position and a retreated position. A safety device is integrated into a slider and exhibits a damper (9), which is attached with the slider. The damper exhibits a tappet (11), which engages a certain stretch in front of the usage position with a stopper (12) during shifting of the top into the usage position.