Concept Assessment, Refinement, and Selection

Lin Chen
6 min readNov 13, 2019

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Market Survey

Camping folding table

Trampoline folding table

Backpack folding table

Storage folding table

Lego folding table

Suitcase folding table

Pulley folding table

Multip-desktop folding table

Studio folding table

Plug-in folding table

Five Selected Ideas Based upon Survey:

Studio folding table,multip-desktop folding table,storage folding table,backpack folding table,camping folding table.

Most of the people surveyed are UMN students, so the answer may be more limited. Responses may be more biased towards the student.

Benchmarking

Patent Search

Studio folding table

Similar Patent: https://www.dickblick.com/products/studio-designs-folding-craft-station/?clickTracking=true&wmcp=pla&wmcid=items&wmckw=51917-2050&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5dPuBRCrARIsAJL7oeiOoXMf3V0FOz3SVO02zmgTAMK8HFvDm6dPUWeuiQRUNtH7D82qFs4aAhABEALw_wcB

The Studio Designs Folding Craft Station is a portable alternative for those who are short on space for their crafting table. Constructed of heavy-gauge steel for durability, the Folding Craft Station’s folding legs make it a breeze to set up and put away.

Multip-desktop folding table

Similar Patent: https://www.dickblick.com/products/studio-designs-stow-away-desk/?clickTracking=true&wmcp=pla&wmcid=items&wmckw=52585-2020&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5dPuBRCrARIsAJL7oegkc9xQh_u-954ajy47SxySgJrOamNft43i0ODphEaGINEWdJniZRwaAuwPEALw_wcB

This patent and my idea are similar to having 3 desktops but its desktop is fixed, and my idea desktop is rotatable. The desk can be folded in one step. It can be used directly without assembly. When opened, the side levers of the table lock the table in place. To fold the table, simply pull the two levers. It only takes a few seconds. The desk has a powder-coated metal frame for added durability.

Storage folding table

Similar Patent: https://www.amazon.com/JAXPETY-VD-56639HWBK-Compartment-Storage-Furniture/dp/B07B489BM5/ref=asc_df_B07B489BM5/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309830468387&hvpos=1o16&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15367108448686093096&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1019973&hvtargid=pla-580071285830&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=62054482979&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=309830468387&hvpos=1o16&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15367108448686093096&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1019973&hvtargid=pla-580071285830

This unique coffee table has an extending top that lifts up to provide a raised work surface. It offers plenty of storage space, Perfect for Living Room, Office, Chic and beautiful design create a unique, cutting-edge look. But this folding table is a bit too heavy, and my idea folding table should be lighter.

Backpack folding table

Similar Patent: https://www.webstaurantstore.com/flash-furniture-xu-sta-bk-gg-grandstand-black-ultra-padded-bleacher-comfort-seat/354XUSTABKGG.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5dPuBRCrARIsAJL7oejHGYo9uOEpBa39OPwDZZ_vntLyGiLHZYOdRvetji3tPfV931IppMoaAhF8EALw_wcB

This product is more like a folding chair, but it is very similar to a backpack folding table when it is locked. This portable seat is the perfect accessory to take along to games, campgrounds, beach settings, or outdoor concerts.

Camping folding table

Similar Patent: https://www.moosejaw.com/product/helinox-table-one-storage-pocket_10419908?hybridPLA=true&ad_id=GooglePlusBox&utm_source=GooglePlusBox&utm_medium=PLA&utm_campaign=Helinox&scid=scplp4934803&sc_intid=4934803&adpos=1o5&cm_mmc=PLA-_-Google-_-SC_Shopping_NoPromo_Nonbrand_Desktop|SC_Shopping_NoPromo_Nonbrand_Desktop-_-google|8051885979|78434517730|396042368070|aud-470099397345:pla-310476566811|c|1019973|4934803&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5dPuBRCrARIsAJL7oejUSWiUqm2u5o8YuWQNBQwSN77IfLzWJ9sXN9rvOezAGVPBi4BMt20aAij_EALw_wcB

This patent is very close to my idea and it adds to the idea of a storage bag.

Concerns

  1. My biggest concern with the folding table in the studio is that they already exist. When I conducted a patent search online, I found that I could buy a similar folding table online.
  2. For the backpack folding table, I am worried about how to keep the strap firm and then how to make people feel comfortable. But also fold it to fit the various parts of the backpack.
  3. What I am worried about the camping folding table is what material should be used to make it, and then change its carrying capacity and stability.
  4. For multi-desktop folding tables, I should study how to improve its stability, because the topmost desktop is the largest and the heaviest.
  5. I don’t have much to worry about storing the folding table. I should study how to increase the storage capacity and how to fold the storage box and the folding table.

Pugh Chart

The chart is based on a foldable table that has the highest total value, while the backpack folding table and the camping folding table have the lowest total value.
I finally decided to use the storage folding table to make a sketch model. Although it is not the best on the chart, I think it is very practical.

Sketch Mode

This is a model of a folding table. I made this model with paper, cardboard, and glue. The middle paper bag is the part of the storage, and then the tabletop and the four table legs are made of cardboard.

My friend Emily thinks this model is still too simple, but it fully reflects the details of the role of storage

Timeline:

Wednesday 11/13: Develop ideas based on feedback from the last comment.

Thursday 11/14: Production problem form.

Friday 11/15: Investigate 10 people who can represent users.

Saturday 11/16: Preliminary patent search for each of the five ideas.

Sunday 11/17: Create a Pugh chart.

Monday 11/18: Create a rough lo-fi sketch model.

Tuesday 11/19: Check all the details.

Wednesday 11/20: Finish assignment

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