Table Leg Locking Device Using Rack and Pinion for Lightweight Tops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for table arrangements are complex, space-consuming, and not suitable for lightweight panels, as they require a large number of components on both the table leg and top, and often have limitations in force transmission and risk of objects getting stuck.
Innovation Solution
A compact locking device utilizing a rack and pinion gear mechanism that allows for linear displacement of the locking plate, enabling tool-free mounting of table legs on lightweight table tops, with a high gear ratio for increased force transmission and a flat design that can be mounted under the table top without visual disturbance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with lever and eccentric gear is used, then the locking elements can be clamped effectively, but the construction on the table leg becomes complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate parts: the locking elements remain on the table leg while the actuating mechanism with rack and pinion is integrated into the tabletop. This segmentation simplifies the table leg construction while maintaining clamping effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
A rack and pinion gear mechanism serves as an intermediary to convert the rotational motion of the actuating element into linear motion of the locking plate, providing effective clamping without complex linkages on the table leg.
2Device complexity
If the locking mechanism is integrated into the tabletop as described in Wilkhahn, then the number of locking elements on the table leg is reduced, but a relatively large amount of space in the tabletop is required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate is designed as a thin, flat component that moves linearly within a compact rack and pinion mechanism, minimizing the space required in the tabletop while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear ratio between the pinion and rack is optimized to achieve the required locking force within a compact space, allowing effective clamping with minimal tabletop integration.
3Ease of operation
If short lever lengths are used in the locking mechanism, then the lever can be positioned to rest against the tabletop in the locking position, but the force acting on the locking elements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The direct lever action is replaced with a rack and pinion gear mechanism that provides mechanical advantage through gear ratio, enabling sufficient locking force without requiring long lever arms that would interfere with tabletop contact.
4Ease of operation
If a lever mechanism is used for locking, then the locking elements can be moved parallel to the tabletop, but objects could become jammed between the lever and the tabletop
Solution Approach 1:
The rack and pinion gear mechanism serves as an intermediary between the actuating element and the locking plate, eliminating direct contact between the actuating mechanism and the tabletop, thus preventing objects from becoming jammed.
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 solution provides a compact, easy-to-manufacture, and efficient locking mechanism that can be used with lightweight table tops, offering strong clamping force and wear tolerance, allowing for quick setup and dismantling of table arrangements without visual disturbance.
Implementation Method 1
The rack and pinion mechanism converts the rotary motion of the actuating element into a linear motion of the locking plate
Implementation Method 2
The power transmission is supported by the gear ratio between the actuating element and the locking plate, which is achieved by the rack and pinion mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A locking device for connecting a table leg to at least one tabletop, comprising a first connecting part for attachment to the table leg, wherein the first connecting part has several locking bolts with locking projections, a second connecting part (2) for arrangement on a tabletop, wherein the second connecting part (2) has a locking mechanism with an actuating element (17) and a locking plate (9) with clamping contours (14), wherein the clamping contours can be moved by actuating the actuating element (17) from an unlocked position, in which the clamping contours (14) of the locking plate (9) do not engage the locking projections of the locking bolts, to a locked position, in which the clamping contours (14) of the locking plate (9) engage the locking projections of the locking bolts, is characterized in that the locking mechanism is a rack and pinion drive (15,16) comprising, wherein the locking plate (9) is linearly displaceable by means of the rack and pinion drive (15, 16). This provides a compact locking device for a table arrangement that can also be used with lightweight tabletops.