Table Sub-Top Member to Reduce Chair Arm and Edge Damage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The interaction between height-adjustable chairs and tables often results in damage to both the table edge and chair arms due to the typical alignment of chair arms relative to the table surface, leading to aesthetic and durability issues when attempting to protect one at the expense of the other.
Innovation Solution
A table system with a sub-top member positioned below the table top to provide protection, made of a softer material than the table top, which extends outwardly by a minimal distance to absorb impact and include an electronics panel for connecting devices without obscuring the table's edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If edging material is added to protect the table edge, then table edge protection is improved, but chair arm damage increases and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sub-top member as an intermediary element positioned between the table top and the chair arms. This sub-top member absorbs the impact from chair arms, preventing direct contact between the chair arms and the table edge, thereby protecting both the table edge and chair arms simultaneously without requiring edging material that would compromise aesthetics or increase chair damage
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the protective function from the horizontal edge dimension to the vertical sub-top dimension. By positioning the protective element below the table top surface rather than on the edge, the design protects against chair arm impacts while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the table edge and reducing damage to chair arms
2Strength
If metal arms are used for chairs, then chair durability is improved, but table damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-top member serves as a mediator that intercepts the force from metal chair arms before they can contact the table. This allows the use of durable metal chair arms while preventing the table damage that would otherwise result from their rigidity and strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful rigidity and strength of metal chair arms into a beneficial force by using the sub-top member to absorb and distribute their impact. The very property that makes metal arms durable (their strength) becomes the source of potential table damage, but the sub-top member transforms this harmful impact into a protected interaction
3Object-affected harmful factors
If protective edging is added to the table, then table edge protection is improved, but aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is relocated from the visible horizontal edge dimension to the concealed vertical sub-top dimension. This allows the table edge to maintain its clean, aesthetic appearance while the sub-top member positioned below provides the necessary protection against chair arm impacts
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-top member acts as a hidden intermediary that provides protection without being visible in the aesthetic view of the table. It absorbs impacts that would otherwise require visible edging material, thereby preserving the table's aesthetic appearance while providing adequate edge protection
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 effectively minimizes damage to both the table and chair by absorbing lateral impacts, maintains the aesthetic appearance of the table, and integrates electronic components seamlessly, reducing the visibility of any damage and enhancing durability.
Implementation Method 1
The sub-top may be made of a first material that is softer than the table top. The first material of the sub-top may absorb impact from objects.
Data Source
AI summary
Some implementations of a table system can include a protective member that is positionable below a table to provide protection to both a table and chairs. The protective member can extend lateral beyond a peripheral edge of the table top, for example, to protect the table and accessory furniture while allowing the table top and the peripheral edge of the table top to remain exposed.