Table with umbrella holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor tables with umbrella holders fail to securely grip the umbrella pole, leading to potential dislodging in windy conditions, often requiring auxiliary bases for stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A molded plastic table with a sealed internal body volume for ballast, featuring upper and lower corrugated gripping elements that secure the umbrella pole, and a spin-welded round plug with internal ballast to stabilize the table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple hole through the top and bottom of the table is used for umbrella accommodation, then the table structure remains simple, but the umbrella pole cannot be securely gripped and may dislodge in wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating corrugated gripping elements at specific locations (top and bottom of the hollow sleeve) rather than making the entire table structure complex. These localized corrugated sections provide enhanced friction and mechanical interlocking with the umbrella pole, while the rest of the table maintains its simple hole-through design for easy manufacturing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the table body is made hollow for potential ballast, then stability can be improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hollow sleeve (which provides umbrella pole accommodation) with the sealed hollow body (which provides ballast capacity) into a single integrated structure. The hollow sleeve forms part of the sealed body's internal volume, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving both stability and umbrella security functions.
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 secure umbrella pole retention, accommodating varying pole sizes, and eliminates the need for auxiliary bases, enhancing stability and safety in windy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The round plug is fitted in and retained in the large round bottom opening by spin welding the round plug within the large round bottom opening
Data Source
AI summary
A table with a molded plastic body and a molded plastic plug fitted in a large round bottom opening in the body. A sealed internal body volume accommodates ballast. An internal hollow sleeve extends from an opening in the top of the body two a hollow core in the plug. An upper and lower corrugated gripping elements in the hollow sleeve and in the hollow core of the plug grip the pole of an umbrella. The round plug retained in the large round bottom opening by spin welding the round plug within the large round bottom opening.