Outdoor Table Heater Holder Gaps for Tabletop Heat Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor tables with integrated heating appliances face issues such as heat conduction damaging the table top and difficulty in operating the heating controls for seated individuals, particularly those in wheelchairs due to the placement of actuators underneath the table.
Innovation Solution
A table design featuring a heating appliance holder with gaps to reduce heat conduction to the table top and actuators extending above the table top for easy control, allowing for airflow and enabling wheelchair accessibility, with a cantilevering table top and removable portions for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the heating appliance holder is in direct contact with the table top, then heat conduction is efficient, but the table top may be charred or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary gap between the heating appliance holder and the table top, preventing direct thermal contact. This gap acts as a thermal barrier that stops harmful heat conduction to the table top while allowing the heating appliance to function effectively. The holder is positioned to extend below the table top underside without making direct contact, thus mediating the thermal interaction.
2Device complexity
If the actuator is placed underneath the table top, then the heating appliance structure is compact, but it is difficult to operate when seated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the actuator from a horizontal position underneath the table top to a vertical position extending above the table top. This dimensional change in positioning makes the control mechanism accessible to seated users while maintaining the compact structure of the heating appliance. The actuator extends through the table top holder to provide ergonomic control access.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the table top is fixed to the holder, then structural stability is high, but wheelchair accessibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the table top into multiple removable portions that can be detached from the holder. This segmentation allows wheelchair users to remove table top sections to position themselves around the table, then reattach them to restore structural stability. The grooves in the holder accommodate these modular table top portions, enabling both accessibility and stability.
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
Prevents table top damage from heat conduction and facilitates easy operation of the heating appliance for seated users, including those in wheelchairs, while providing a warm and visually appealing ambience.
Implementation Method 1
Heat from the heating appliance may be conducted to the table top via the heating appliance holder which may damage the table top
Implementation Method 2
Air can flow through the at least one gap
Data Source
AI summary
A table (1) comprises a table top (4), a heating appliance (3), and a heating appliance holder (2) holding the heating appliance (3). The heating appliance holder (2) comprises a holder main body (7) and a table top holder (8) for holding the table top (4), the table top holder (8) being spaced apart from the holder main body (7) by at least one gap (20).