Table assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table systems require significant effort to handle extension leaves and often compromise on design aesthetics due to the need for visible mechanisms to accommodate and move these leaves.
Innovation Solution
The extension plate is mounted to be raised from its working position into a raised rest position, hidden beneath the ceiling, using energy-efficient lifting devices, and is held by a holder connected via coupling elements, allowing for visually inconspicuous storage and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If extension leaves are stored within the table structure, then they are protected from damage and loss, but the table design becomes visually bulky and handling requires significant force
Solution Approach 1:
The extension leaf storage location is moved from the horizontal plane (under the table top) to the vertical dimension (ceiling area above the table). This allows the table top to maintain a slim profile while the extension leaves are stored in the unused vertical space above the ceiling, eliminating the need for bulky table structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension leaves are extracted from the traditional storage location within the table structure and relocated to the ceiling area. This separation allows the table top to be visually slim while the extension leaves are stored independently in the ceiling region, accessible via lowering mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If extension leaves are accommodated within the table structure, then they are readily accessible, but the table design is compromised visually and requires complex guide fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The extension leaf storage is relocated from the horizontal plane within the table to the vertical dimension above the ceiling. This allows ready accessibility through the lowering mechanism while maintaining a clean visual appearance of the table top, as the extension leaves are stored in the ceiling area rather than within the table structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A holder and lowering mechanism act as intermediaries between the ceiling-mounted extension leaves and the table top. The holder supports the extension leaves in the ceiling area and allows them to be lowered to the table top when needed, providing accessibility without compromising the visual appearance of the table.
3Shape
If extension leaves are stored in separate rooms, then the table design is simplified, but handling requires significant effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing extension leaves in separate rooms (horizontal distance), the extension leaves are stored in the ceiling area directly above the table (vertical distance). This allows quick access by lowering the extension leaves to the table top, eliminating the time-consuming trip to separate storage rooms while maintaining simple table design.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension leaves are pre-positioned in the ceiling area above the table, ready for quick deployment. When needed, they can be rapidly lowered to the table top using the holder and lowering mechanism, eliminating the time loss associated with retrieving extension leaves from distant storage locations.
4Ease of operation
If lifting devices are installed to raise extension leaves, then handling effort is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism utilizes the existing ceiling structure and gravity to assist in the lifting process. The holder and lowering mechanism are designed to work with the natural vertical space above the ceiling, allowing the system to lift and position extension leaves with minimal mechanical complexity while reducing handling effort.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a table system (1) with a tabletop (10) held at a distance above a floor (2), and with an extension panel (16) that is movable between a rest position and a working position extending the tabletop (10), the invention proposes that the extension panel (16) is mounted so as to be movable in height between a raised rest position (R), in which it is located at a distance above the tabletop (10), and a lowered working position (A), and that the extension panel (16) is held on a holder (17) which is movable in height together with the extension panel (16) and which is connected to lifting means enabling the vertical movement, and that the extension panel (16) is detachably connected to the holder (17) via coupling elements (24) such that it can be selectively separated from or connected to the holder (17).