Collapsible adjustable height table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collapsible, adjustable height tables are limited in their compactness due to the length of their legs, which extend beyond the width of the collapsed apparatus, preventing a reduction in overall dimensions and limiting the achievable height.
Innovation Solution
The use of novel telescoping legs with a central pivot mechanism that allows for folding and expansion without limiting the leg length, combined with a gas compression spring for height adjustment, enables a reduced folded size and adjustable height without extending beyond the table's width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the legs are made longer to achieve greater table height, then the table height is improved, but the collapsed width increases as legs extend beyond the table width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements telescoping legs where inner leg sections are nested within outer leg sections, allowing the legs to extend to greater lengths when deployed while retracting to compact dimensions when collapsed. This nesting mechanism enables the leg length to exceed the table width without increasing the collapsed footprint, as the extended portions of the legs are housed within the body of the table when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional collapsed profile to a three-dimensional deployed structure by utilizing vertical extension of the telescoping legs. The legs extend in the vertical dimension rather than increasing the horizontal footprint, allowing greater table height to be achieved without proportionally increasing the collapsed width. The central pivot mechanism enables this dimensional transition by allowing the legs to fold inward parallel to the table surface during collapse.
2Area of stationary object
If the legs are shortened to reduce collapsed dimensions, then the collapsed width is reduced, but the maximum table height is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping leg mechanism allows the legs to be nested within the table body during collapse, reducing the collapsed width to be approximately equal to or slightly greater than the table width. The nested construction enables the legs to store their extended length within the vertical space of the table body, rather than requiring additional horizontal space during collapse.
3Device complexity
If conventional pivot mechanisms are used, then the folding mechanism is simple, but the leg length is limited by the pivot geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides each leg into multiple telescoping segments that can extend and retract relative to one another. This segmentation allows the legs to achieve greater lengths by extending the telescoping sections, while the segments can be stored in a compact nested arrangement during collapse. The central pivot mechanism remains relatively simple, connecting the scissor-like leg assemblies, while the telescoping segments provide the extended length capability without complicating the fundamental folding action.
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
This solution allows for a compact folded size and adjustable height without sacrificing height, providing stability and ease of use, suitable for various applications including ironing boards, folding tables, and desks.
Implementation Method 1
A collapsible, adjustable height table is disclosed that provides a reduced folded size compared to conventional collapsible, adjustable tables and other apparatuses. This multi-purpose apparatus may include a gas compression spring, or similar mechanism, to facilitate extending the table to desired heights.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible, adjustable height table with a compact folded configuration and a range limiter to secure selected table heights.