Sub-Top Protective Member for Table and Chair Impact Damage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chairs and tables often suffer damage due to the interaction of chair arms and back with the table edge, especially when the chair is adjusted in height, leading to aesthetic and structural issues.
Innovation Solution
A sub-top member positioned below the table top to protect both the table and chair from lateral impacts, made of a softer material than the table top, with an angled edge to absorb impacts and incorporate electronic connectors seamlessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If edging material is added to protect the table edge, then the table edge protection is improved, but the chair damage increases and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sub-top member as an intermediary element positioned between the table top and the chair. This sub-top member has a peripheral edge that extends beyond the table top's peripheral edge, creating a protective barrier that intercepts chair contacts before they reach the table top. The sub-top member absorbs the harmful interaction, preventing damage to both the table edge and the chair simultaneously.
2Strength
If metal arms are used for chairs to increase durability, then the chair strength is improved, but the damage to the table increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-top member serves as a mediator that intercepts the contact between metal chair arms and the table. By positioning its peripheral edge beyond the table top's edge, the sub-top member absorbs the impact from rigid metal chair arms, preventing the transmission of harmful forces to the table structure while allowing the chair to maintain its durable metal construction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sub-top protective edge extends beyond the table edge, then the protection effectiveness is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the aesthetic conflict by moving the protective function to a different spatial dimension. The sub-top member's peripheral edge extends beyond the table top's edge in the horizontal plane, but the sub-top member itself is positioned below the table top's lower surface. This dimensional relocation allows the protective edge to provide enhanced protection while remaining visually concealed, maintaining the table's aesthetic appearance from above.
4Shape
If the sub-top is positioned below the table top, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the protection capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves both aesthetic and protective goals by utilizing vertical spatial dimension. The sub-top member is positioned below the table top's lower surface, concealing it from view and maintaining aesthetic appearance. Simultaneously, the sub-top member's peripheral edge extends beyond the table top's peripheral edge in the horizontal direction, ensuring that the protective function is not compromised despite the vertical relocation.
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
Minimizes damage to both the table and chair while maintaining aesthetics and functionality, providing a sleek appearance and integrated electronic connections.
Implementation Method 1
The first material of the sub-top may absorb impact from objects
Data Source
AI summary
Some implementations of a table system can include a protective member that is positionable below a table to provide protection to both a table and chairs. The protective member can extend lateral beyond a peripheral edge of the table top, for example, to protect the table and accessory furniture while allowing the table top and the peripheral edge of the table top to remain exposed.