Foldable Beach Table
Senior Design Project
The problem presented before us is the lack of access to a firm footing, portable table equipped to withstand the unique beach environment. Our project was to create a new innovative design to solve such a problem. The intent was to create a beach table that was lightweight and durable, yet easily moved in transit, especially across a beach environment. To help make the table more easily portable it should be foldable, and made of lightweight and inexpensive material, equipped with an easily graspable handle or equally convenient apparatus. Additional components should include retractable cup holders, an umbrella anchor, and a garbage bag slot which will prevent the increased
pollution of the beachfront. The overall goal of this design is to provide consumers with a cheap, lightweight, and durable table for recreational use through mechanical design applications.
Through this project we came across challenges like making the table able to withstand an uneven surface of sand, and ensuring the desired strength without compromising weight or cost. We also wanted to ensure it was capable of withstanding the intense heat of the beach, but also able to withstand extreme cold temperatures while in storage. The image to the right shows a failure test, should someone ignore safety instructions and sit upon the table at the weakest point. I ran similar tests throughout the table as well as thermal tests to ensure it can withstand extreme temperature changes, as well as a the shear force of an umbrella being pulled at maximum (safe) beach conditions, in the middle of the table.
This project was completed in a group of 3 members. Though we worked as a team, I had a major roll in generating the 3D models, ran all ANSYS simulations, researched and evaluated all patents, and provided all machining notes. Feel free to inquire about specific collaborative sections I was involved with.