Table Circulation Guidance Device with Sliders and Carriages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing table circulation guide devices face challenges in smoothly transitioning between straight and curved rail sections, leading to increased resistance, impact, and instability due to unbalanced loads and differences in rail height, which affects the accuracy and reliability of operations like machining and assembly.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a circuit with pairs of straight and curved rails where the table travels on straight rails via sliders for working areas and on curved rails via carriages for non-working areas, with offset rail ends and tapered sections to minimize deviation and distribute load evenly, using sliders on both sides of the table for stability and a movable-magnet-type linear motor for smooth transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a dolly is used to move a table, then the table can be moved, but the dolly occupies additional space and may trip attendees

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetable mobilityVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The table base itself is converted into a mobile platform by integrating rollers directly onto the base structure, eliminating the need for a separate dolly. This merging of functions allows the table to be moved without requiring additional space-occupying equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile function is extracted from the table top and placed into the base structure. By positioning the rollers at the bottom of the base, the mobility feature is separated from the visible table structure, preventing tripping hazards while maintaining ease of movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the table base is made lighter for easier movement, then mobility improves, but the stability and weight-bearing capacity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement easeVSAvoidtable stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Manual lifting and moving of the entire table is replaced by a mechanical rolling system. The rollers provide mechanical assistance for movement, allowing the table to be easily relocated without requiring reduction of the base weight, thus maintaining stability while improving mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the table configuration is changed frequently for different events, then versatility improves, but setup time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The table system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the base can be easily repositioned and reconfigured. The mobile base allows tables to be quickly moved and rearranged between events, enabling flexible configuration changes without time-consuming manual handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The table system is divided into modular components with mobile bases that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows individual tables or groups of tables to be moved and reconfigured separately, reducing the overall setup time for different event configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3626986B1Table circulation guidance device
Publication Date: 2021.12.15 NIPPON THOMPSON
  • EP3626986B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3626986B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3626986B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This table circulation guide device includes sliders (8) and carriage (6) attached to a table (1). In a working area (28), the table is guided by the sliders (8) straddling straight track rails (2). In a non-working area (29), the table (1) is guided by the carriages (6) traveling on a curved track rail (3). An endless circulation circuit (30) is formed by the straight track rails (2) and the curved track rail (3). In the working area (28) of the circuit (30), the table (1) travels via the sliders (8) straddling the straight track rails (2). In the non-working area (29) of the circuit (30), the table (1) travels via the carriages (6) located between the sliders (8).