Vehicle Table Assembly from Split Material Portions to Reduce Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for manufacturing vehicle drop-down tables are complex, expensive, and time-consuming, resulting in tables that are not durable enough to withstand extreme temperatures or moisture due to their multi-part construction and large number of joints.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a single piece of material split into portions, with recesses and dowel holes machined into each portion to form a sturdy, lightweight table by assembling these portions together, reducing the number of parts and process steps, and using attachment means like dowels and glue for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional multi-part construction method is used, then the table can be manufactured with traditional woodworking techniques, but the manufacturing process becomes complex, expensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (outer structure, internal frame, support members) into a single integrated table construction. By using a single piece of material with recesses that houses an internal frame, the invention eliminates the need for multiple separate parts and joints, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single piece of material by machining recesses into it, creating distinct functional zones within the unified structure. The recesses accommodate the internal frame and support members, allowing the table to be manufactured as one piece while still providing structural compartments for different components.
2Reliability
If conventional multi-part construction with many joints is used, then the table can be assembled from standard components, but the table cannot withstand extremes of temperature or moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the outer structure and internal frame into a single integrated piece of material. This eliminates numerous joints between separate components, creating a unified structure that is more resistant to temperature and moisture extremes since there are fewer potential points of failure and delamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a homogeneous single piece of material for the entire table construction, including both the outer structure and internal frame. This uniform material composition throughout the table provides consistent resistance to environmental factors like temperature and moisture, unlike composite constructions with different materials joined together.
3Weight of moving object
If hollow structure with internal frame is used, then the weight of the picnic table is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by machining the recesses and internal frame structures into the single piece of material during the manufacturing process itself, rather than assembling pre-fabricated hollow components. This preliminary shaping of the material directly creates the weight-reducing hollow sections while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a table (6) for a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing two or more portions (2, 3) of material; b) machining at least one recess (5) into a face of at least one of the portions of material; and c) assembling the portions of material together to form a table having at least one cavity.