Table Articulation with Elastomeric Damping Stop to Reduce Wear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional table articulations wear out quickly due to frequent use and slamming of the tray against the base when pivoting between horizontal and vertical positions, leading to premature wear and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A table joint with a damping stop mechanism, featuring a deformable elastomer stop and ergonomic design, which cushions the rotation and maintains the tray in position, reducing friction and wear by allowing the tray to move smoothly between use and storage positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the table articulation allows frequent pivoting between horizontal and vertical positions, then the table's adaptability and storage efficiency are improved, but the articulation parts experience increased wear and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a damping stop mechanism made of elastomeric material that is pre-installed in the articulation assembly. This stop cushion is positioned to contact the tray or table top during pivoting operations, providing beforehand cushioning that absorbs impact forces before they can damage the articulation parts. The elastomeric material's inherent elasticity ensures that the cushioning effect is automatic and requires no additional activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping stop acts as an intermediary element between the tray/table top and the base structure. During pivoting, the elastomeric stop contacts the moving part and transmits forces through its deformable material, mediating the interaction between the tray and base. This intermediary cushioning element protects the rigid articulation parts from direct impact forces, thereby extending their service life while maintaining frequent pivoting capability.
2Ease of operation
If the tray is allowed to pivot freely against the base, then the ease of operation is improved, but the harmful impact forces cause premature wear of the articulation parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful impact force generated during tray pivoting into a beneficial cushioning effect. The elastomeric damping stop is designed to be contacted by the tray or table top during normal pivoting operations, transforming the previously harmful slamming force into a controlled deformation of the elastomeric material. This deformation absorbs the impact energy, protecting the articulation parts while maintaining the ease of pivoting operation. The elastomeric material then rebounds, assisting the tray in reaching its final position.
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 damping stop mechanism significantly reduces wear and tear on the articulation parts, ensuring longer durability and easier storage by absorbing shocks and maintaining the tray's position effectively, even in intermediate positions.
Implementation Method 1
the damping stop is made deformable elastically and is preferably made of elastomer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates mainly to a hinge piece (5) for a table (1), configured to allow the rotation of a tabletop (2) of a table (1) relative to at least one leg (3, 4) of the table (1), the hinge piece (5) comprising at least a first part (51) and a second part (52), the first part (51) of the hinge piece (5) being configured to be movable in rotation relative to the second part (52) between at least one use position and a storage position characterized in that the hinge piece (5) comprises at least one damping stop (6) arranged at least partially between the first part (51) and the second part (52) of the hinge piece (5), at least a portion (61) of the stop (6) being configured to be in contact with the second part (52) when the first part (51) is in its use position.