Table with swingable stools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tables with attached stools lack a practical mechanism for efficient storage and use, as they do not easily transition between a retracted position for access and an extended position for user support, often requiring manual adjustment and lacking a stable engagement with the surface.
Innovation Solution
A table design featuring stools with a hinge mechanism that allows them to pivot and slide between a retracted-storage position and an extended-use position, utilizing a gas cylinder biasing element to adjust height and engage with the surface for user support, while being supported by a cross-brace in the retracted position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stools are attached to the table frame, then user support is provided, but access underneath the table is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The stools are designed with a hinge mechanism that allows them to dynamically change position between an extended configuration (providing user support) and a retracted configuration (clearing the space underneath the table). This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by making the stool position adaptable rather than fixed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stools are manually adjusted between positions, then storage and use positions are achieved, but adjustment time and effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing element (such as a spring or gas cylinder) is integrated into the stool mechanism to automatically exert force that assists in moving the stool between positions. When the user releases the stool, the biasing element automatically returns it to the retracted storage position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and reducing adjustment time.
3Reliability
If stools are positioned low for surface engagement, then stable user support is provided, but access underneath the table is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The stool mechanism allows the seat to be positioned at different heights depending on whether it is in the extended or retracted configuration. When extended, the seat engages with the user's body at an appropriate height for support. When retracted, the entire stool assembly moves upward, clearing the space underneath the table. This dynamic height adjustment resolves the contradiction between support stability and clearance space.
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
Enables seamless transition between storage and use positions, providing stable user support and easy access underneath the table, enhancing usability and maintenance accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element is coupled to the seat and to the hinge. The seat is configured to slide along the swing tube of the hinge, and the biasing element is configured to bias the seat away from the surface. In illustrative embodiments, the biasing element is a gas cylinder.
Data Source
AI summary
A table includes a frame, a table top coupled to an upper portion of the frame, and a plurality of stools coupled to legs of the frame. The stools are swingable relative to the frame from a retracted-storage position to an extended use-position. The stools are arranged to engage with a surface beneath the table in the extended-use position to support a user of the table relative to the table top. The stools are arranged substantially within a perimeter of the table top in the retracted-storage position for access around the table.