Adjustable Tubular Desk Beam Assembly for Modular Leg Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing office desk structures require multiple beam lengths and complex, costly machining to accommodate different leg positions, with limited adjustability and unattractive visible apertures, and lack the ability to regulate support distance.
Innovation Solution
A modular complex of structural elements featuring a metal tubular beam with plastic inserts and adjustable blades, allowing continuous adjustment of the blade's position within the beam, enabling the same elements to function as both terminal and intermediate legs, and simplifying assembly while minimizing visible apertures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic elements with hooking systems or screwed flanges are used to adjust beam length, then the beam can be fixed at different positions, but the uprights require through apertures and complex machining
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components: the upright with integrated connection element, the beam with corresponding connection element, and adjustable positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are designed with universal functionality to accommodate different beam positions and configurations. The upright's connection element can engage with the beam's connection element at multiple positions without requiring different aperture configurations, enabling both terminal and intermediate leg arrangements with the same components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fork-shaped upright ends with tongue and groove coupling are used, then the beam can be positioned at different axial locations, but only a limited number of positions are achievable
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from static, fixed-position forks to a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The blade element can be positioned continuously along the beam's length and locked at any desired location, providing infinite positioning possibilities rather than limited discrete positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system allows continuous variation of the blade position parameter along the beam, rather than being constrained to fixed discrete positions. This parameter change capability enables adaptation to different desk configurations without changing the physical structure of the uprights.
3Strength
If connection systems with apertures in uprights are used, then the beam can be fixed to both sides of the upright, but visible unattractive apertures remain on the upright surface
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements are nested within the upright structure rather than requiring through-apertures. The blade element fits into a recess or channel in the upright, with the connection mechanism contained within the upright's volume, eliminating visible apertures on the external surface while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary connection element (the blade) is introduced between the beam and the upright surface. This blade engages with the upright through a concealed mechanism, providing the necessary structural connection while acting as a mediator that hides the connection details from view, preserving the upright's aesthetic appearance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beam lengths are used for different leg positions, then the required desk lengths can be accommodated, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal beam design is used that can accommodate different desk lengths through adjustable positioning of the blade element. The same beam component serves multiple functions (terminal beam, intermediate beam at different positions) by varying the blade position, eliminating the need for multiple specialized beam lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam system transitions from a static, fixed-length design to a dynamic, adjustable-length configuration. The blade element's position along the beam can be continuously adjusted and locked, allowing the same physical beam to function at different effective lengths depending on the blade position, thereby accommodating various desk configurations with a single component type.
Data Source
AI summary
A complex of structural elements for office desks and the like, comprising a pair of legs (2, 32, 68), each formed from a base (6, 36), from at least one upright (8, 34) and from a bracket (10, 38, 48) for supporting and connecting the worktop, and at least one beam (4) fixable to the upper end of said upright (8, 34), characterised in that said beam (4) is of tubular type and is provided at each end with a slidable blade (22, 62), with means (14) for centering said blade with respect to said beam, and with at least one screw means (20) engaging in a threaded portion fixed longitudinally to said beam in order to lock said blade to the beam, and by comprising means (24, 40) for securing said leg to that blade portion (22, 62) projecting from said beam (4).