Stowable table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stowable tables with cup holders only function when in the horizontal position, failing to accommodate a cup in the stowed position, which limits their usability.
Innovation Solution
A stowable table design featuring a rotatable and slidable cup holder that remains horizontal and aligned with the table portion in both deployed and stowed positions, utilizing a pivot axis, rack and pinion mechanism, and weighted portions to maintain the holder upright, ensuring the cup can be retained in both positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the table portion is moved to a stowed position, then the table can be compacted for storage, but the cup holder cannot receive a liquid-containing receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to slide along the table portion and rotate about a pivot axis. This enables the cup holder to maintain a functional orientation and position relative to gravity regardless of the table portion's orientation, ensuring it can receive and hold liquid-containing receptacles in both deployed and stowed positions
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder mechanism is designed to perform its function of holding liquid-containing receptacles in multiple configurations - both when the table portion is horizontally deployed and when it is vertically stowed. The combination of sliding and rotating movements provides universal functionality across different table positions
2Device complexity
If a fixed cup holder recess is provided in the table, then the structure is simple, but the cup holder only functions when the table is in the horizontal position
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder transitions from a fixed recess to a dynamic component that can slide and rotate. The sliding mechanism allows movement along the table portion, while the rotation about the pivot axis enables the holder to maintain proper orientation relative to gravity, providing adaptability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder is separated from the table portion as a distinct, movable component rather than being integrally fixed. This segmentation allows the holder to move independently through sliding and rotating motions, enabling it to function in both deployed and stowed positions while maintaining structural simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the holder is made rotatable and slidable, then the cup can be retained in both positions, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder incorporates rotatable and slidable movements to maintain functionality across different table positions. The pivot axis enables rotation while the sliding mechanism allows linear movement along the table portion, providing the necessary adaptability with a mechanically efficient design
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating and sliding functions are combined in a single integrated holder mechanism rather than being separate systems. This merging of movements reduces overall mechanism complexity while achieving the dual capability of maintaining cup holder functionality in both deployed and stowed positions
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 table to securely hold a liquid-containing receptacle in both horizontal and stowed positions, preventing spills and enhancing usability by maintaining the holder upright through mechanical and gravitational means.
Implementation Method 1
a first weighted portion configured to bias the holder (e.g. via the carrier) to the aligned position when the table portion is in the stowed position, e.g. by virtue of gravity
Implementation Method 2
The holder moves to be generally aligned with the table portion when deployed and generally perpendicular to the table portion when stowed
Data Source
AI summary
A stowable table includes a table portion movable between a horizontal deployed position and a non-horizontal stowed position. The table portion may be configured to be stowed in a receiving structure. A holder may be configured to receive a liquid receptacle and rotatably coupled to the table portion about a pivot axis. The holder may also be slidably coupled to the table portion and slidable between a setback position in which the pivot axis is set back from an end of the table portion when the table portion is in the deployed position, and an aligned position in which the pivot axis is substantially aligned with the table portion end when in the stowed position.