Telescoping Table Leg Assembly with Set Screw Height Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable table/desk assemblies lack a reliable and user-friendly mechanism for adjusting the leg length, which limits versatility and convenience in supporting the worksurface at various heights.
Innovation Solution
A leg assembly system featuring a first leg member with apertures and a second leg member that telescopes within, utilizing a set screw with a tool-receiving aperture to securely lock or unlock the adjustment, allowing for precise longitudinal adjustment of the leg members to change the table's height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping leg mechanism is used to enable height adjustment, then the versatility and adaptability of the table are improved, but the reliability and stability of the leg assembly deteriorate due to difficulty in locking at desired heights
Solution Approach 1:
The leg assembly employs a self-locking mechanism where the adjustable leg member features external threading that automatically engages with a locking member when extended to a desired height. The user simply needs to tighten the locking member (using a tool through the access aperture) to secure the leg at any position, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms or multiple fixed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg assembly is divided into separate functional components: an adjustable leg member with threading, a locking member with an access aperture, and a foot member. This segmentation allows the locking function to be independently optimized through the threading and locking member interaction, while the access aperture provides dedicated tool access without compromising the overall structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping leg mechanism with locking feature is added, then the height adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is integrated directly into the telescoping leg structure, with the access aperture formed as part of the leg assembly housing rather than as a separate component. The threading on the adjustable leg member combines the adjustment and locking functions into a single integrated mechanism, reducing the number of separate parts needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The access aperture serves multiple functions: it provides tool access for tightening the locking member, allows visual inspection of the locking mechanism status, and maintains a clean aesthetic appearance when the tool is removed. The threading mechanism simultaneously enables both height adjustment and secure locking in a single feature.
3Ease of operation
If a set screw mechanism is used for locking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements worsen due to alignment of threaded bore with aperture
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded bore is pre-formed at an angle during manufacturing to anticipate the tool insertion angle through the access aperture. This preliminary angular positioning ensures that when a user inserts a tool (such as an Allen wrench) through the aperture, the tool naturally aligns with the threaded bore without requiring precise manual alignment, thereby maintaining ease of operation while accommodating manufacturing tolerances.
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 easy and precise adjustment of the table's height, providing stability and versatility by allowing the worksurface to be supported at multiple heights without compromising safety or aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a set screw having a first portion threadably received within the bore of the second leg member
Implementation Method 2
the set screw is configured to move between a first position where the first portion is located within the bore of the second leg member and the second portion is received within one of the apertures of the plurality of apertures of the first leg member, thereby fixing the second leg member with respect to the first leg member
Data Source
AI summary
A table assembly includes a worksurface and at least one leg assembly coupled to the worksurface and configured to support the worksurface above a floor surface, the at least one leg assembly including a first leg member having an aperture located along a length of the first leg member, the aperture having a first diameter, a second leg member telescoping received within the first leg member and having a threaded bore located along a length of the second leg member, the bore having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter, and an engagement member having a first portion threadably received within the bore of the second leg member and a second portion configured to be selectively received within the aperture of the first leg member thereby telescopingly fixing the second leg member with respect to the first leg member.