Table with a central extension

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extension tables lack rigidity in the extended position and are not suitable for outdoor use or large dimension expansions, as they are not designed to accommodate multiple extensions effectively.

Innovation Solution

A table with a chassis composed of variable-length spars and cross-beams, featuring interlocking slide mechanisms and leg brackets, which allow for the setup of one or several central extensions while maintaining high rigidity, using HPL compact laminate for the trays and extensions, and incorporating reinforcing and tensioning brackets for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If traditional extension table designs are used, then the table can be extended, but the rigidity of the chassis deteriorates in the extended position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable extension capabilityVSAvoidchassis rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into multiple modular components including spars, cross-beams, and extension elements that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows the table to maintain structural integrity while enabling extension configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis includes pre-designed securing mechanisms and connection points that are prepared in advance to receive and firmly secure extensions in various positions, ensuring rigidity is maintained from the outset rather than added during extension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the table is designed for large dimension expansions with multiple extensions, then the adaptability improves, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextension configuration flexibilityVSAvoidchassis structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is designed as a universal platform with standardized spars, cross-beams, and securing mechanisms that can accommodate one or multiple extensions in various configurations, allowing the same basic structure to serve multiple functions and adaptation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis components are designed to nest together efficiently, with extensions fitting within the framework of the spars and cross-beams, creating a compact yet versatile structure that can expand or contract as needed without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the table is designed for outdoor use, then the durability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutdoor durabilityVSAvoidconnection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis incorporates locally optimized connection points and securing mechanisms at critical locations where outdoor durability is most needed, such as junctions between spars, cross-beams, and extensions, with enhanced precision and reinforcement at these specific areas rather than throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11793304B2Table with a central extension

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 LAFUMA MOBILIER

AI summary

A table with a central extension includes a chassis, two movable trays bearing on the chassis and adapted to be moved closer to each other to constitute on their own one continuous surface, or separated symmetrically from one another, or one independently of the other to allow the set-up of one or several central extension(s) between the movable trays. The chassis is made up of two spars of variable length, two cross-beams, the cross-beams and spars assembled perpendicularly in pairs to form a horizontal frame, and four legs extending at the four corners of the frame below the latter. Each spar includes two portions, a fixed spar and a movable spar, the the spars being made up of a profiled tube with a rectangular cross-section in which extends a slide with a rectangular cross-section and have a longitudinal central groove.