Fold-Up Vehicle Table Locking Structure for Compact Stable Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable table designs for motor vehicles lack a space-saving and stable structure, particularly in their rest position, and often require additional components for secure locking in the use position.
Innovation Solution
A foldable table design where the table top holder is mounted to slide into a latching recess on the carrier, secured by a prestressed spring force, allowing for vertical storage and stable horizontal use with a locking mechanism, and featuring a bearing tube for additional stability, enabling the table to withstand higher loads while minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the table top is arranged vertically in the rest position, then the space required for storage is minimized, but the stability and load-bearing capacity in the use position is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The table structure is divided into separate functional components: a table top holder with bearing tube for pivoting motion, a distinct locking device with locking recess and latching mechanism for stability, and a prestressed spring for automatic engagement. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The prestressed spring is pre-loaded in the locking direction before use. When the table top is pivoted into the horizontal position, the spring automatically pushes the table top holder into the locking recess, securing the table in its stable use position without requiring additional manual locking actions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking device is added to secure the table top in the use position, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is integrated into the table top holder assembly rather than being a separate external mechanism. The locking recess is formed as part of the carrier structure, and the latching engagement occurs through the existing bearing tube and holder components, merging multiple functions into a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through the prestressed spring. When the table top holder is pivoted into the horizontal position, the spring automatically engages the holder with the locking recess, securing the table without requiring external intervention or additional control mechanisms.
3Strength
If a bearing tube with bearing bore is used to mount the table top holder, then the stability and load-bearing capacity is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing tube serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a pivot axis for rotating the table top holder, provides structural support for load-bearing capacity, and forms part of the locking mechanism engagement surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing tube is nested within the table top holder assembly, with the bearing bore containing the pivot axis. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple functional elements into a compact integrated structure, reducing the overall footprint and component count while maintaining strength.
4Volume of moving object
If the carrier is designed as a tubular structure with inner recess, then the installation space is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating complex external structures to achieve compactness, the design inverts the approach by creating an inner recess within the tubular carrier. This internal cavity accommodates the bearing axis and locking mechanism components, achieving space efficiency from the inside out while maintaining a simple external tubular profile for easy manufacturing.
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 design allows for compact storage and stable operation, with the table top being automatically fixed in the use position, providing a large contact surface while requiring minimal installation space, and can be easily adjusted for different positions and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
the tabletop holder (16) is acted upon by a prestressed spring force in the locking direction in the locking recess
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7
AI summary
The invention relates to arrangement of a table that can be folded up in the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising a table top (22), which is arranged on a vehicle-mounted support in such a way that the table top can be moved from a resting position, in which the table plane is oriented substantially vertically, into a usage position oriented substantially horizontally. The support extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the table top (22) is fastened to the support in such a way that the table top (22) can be pivoted by means of a table top retainer (16) from the vertical resting position into a horizontal position about a pivot axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and wherein the table top (22) and/or the table top retainer (16) can be locked in the usage position by means of a locking device, which is a catch device, into which the table top retainer (16) can be locked when the table top (22) is in the horizontal position and/or in the vertical position. When the table top (22) is in the horizontal position and/or in the vertical position, the table top retainer (16) is supported in such a way that it can be moved in or opposite the direction of travel in order to be locked the table top retainer into a catch recess of the support that extends in or opposite the direction of travel and said retainer is secured against pivoting about the first pivot axis.