Table Stand Accessory Attachment Using Opposing Surface Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing table attachment methods require restrictive assembly orders and may compromise structural integrity and aesthetics, particularly when attaching heavy accessories to collapsible or power-driven tables, as they often necessitate removing the table top for accessory installation and expose visible attachment interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A table stand design with a second surface oriented opposite to the table top support surface, featuring engagement members and anchoring means that allow accessory attachment without removing the table top, utilizing a collapsible and power-driven structure with elongated main support and sidewing brackets for enhanced strength and concealment of attachment components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the accessory is attached to the table top, then the accessory can be mounted independently, but the table top material strength is insufficient for heavy accessories and large bending torques

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessory mounting independenceVSAvoidTable top load bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the accessory attachment function from the table top and relocates it to the table stand. The attachment interface is moved to the supporting body of the table stand, where the second surface provides a structurally stronger location that can handle heavy accessories and large bending torques without compromising the table top integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by employing the second surface of the supporting body, which faces in a direction different from the table top support surface. This allows attachment of accessories to the table stand structure rather than the table top, effectively moving the attachment point to a different spatial dimension where structural strength is superior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the accessory is attached to the upper side of the supporting body, then the attachment location provides structural strength, but the assembly order is restricted and retrofitting requires table top removal

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAttachment location structural strengthVSAvoidAssembly flexibility and retrofitting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the table structure into distinct functional surfaces: the first surface for table top support and the second surface for accessory attachment. This segmentation allows independent access to the second surface for accessory mounting without requiring removal of the table top, as the second surface is accessible from the opposite side of the supporting body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of attaching accessories to the upper side of the supporting body as in prior art, the invention inverts the approach by utilizing the second surface that faces in a different direction. This inversion allows accessories to be attached to the table stand structure while maintaining assembly flexibility and enabling retrofitting without table top removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the attachment interface is exposed on the table top, then the accessory can be mounted, but visible attachment components cause visual disturbance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessory mounting capabilityVSAvoidVisual disturbance from attachment components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the attachment interface from the visible table top surface and relocates it to the second surface of the supporting body. This relocation hides the attachment components (screws, holders, brackets) from the user's field of view, eliminating visual disturbance while preserving full accessory mounting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention moves the attachment interface to a different spatial dimension - the second surface of the supporting body that faces in a direction different from the table top. This dimensional relocation places the attachment components out of the visual field of users working at or visiting the table, eliminating aesthetic concerns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3547875B1Table comprising an arrangement for attaching at least one accessory
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 POLSTIERNAN IND AB
  • EP3547875B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3547875B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3547875B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

An arrangement for attaching at least one accessory (160; 164; 166; 168) to a table (3) is disclosed. The table (3) is of the type which comprises a table top (2) and a table stand (1) with a supporting body (10), where the table top (2) is supported by at least a first surface (131, 131') of the supporting body (10). The arrangement has an accessory holder (140; 142; 144; 146; 148) for the at least one accessory (160; 164; 166; 68). The arrangement also has one or more engagement members (121, 122, 121', 22') provided on a second surface (132, 132') of the supporting body (10) of the table stand (1). The second surface (132, 132') faces in a direction different from a direction 10 in which the supporting body (10) supports the table top (2). The one or more engagement members (121, 122, 121', 122') is/are adapted for attaching the accessory holder (140; 142; 144; 146; 148) to the supporting body (10) of the table stand (1). The arrangement moreover has anchoring means (150; 153; 154-155; 156-157; 158) for anchoring the accessory holder (140; 142; 144; 146; 148) to the supporting body (10) of 1 the table stand (1). In a normal operating position of the table (3) with its table stand (1) standing on a horizontal floor or ground, the first surface (131, 131') of the support body (10) faces upwards towards an underside of the table top (2) and the second surface (131, 131') of the support body (10) faces downwards towards the floor or ground. The first surface (131, 131') and the second surface (132, 132') of the support 20 body (10) are opposing top and bottom sides of a plate-shaped structure (114, 114') of the supporting body (10).