Control Desk Snap-Connection Assembly for Single-Person Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing control desk assembly process requires at least two people to prevent the desk part from falling off the cabinet base due to unfavorable weight distribution, making it difficult for a single person to assemble the control panel completely.

Innovation Solution

The integration of snap connectors between the desk part and the cabinet base, along with guide pins and a central through-opening frame, allows for secure snap connections and orientation, enabling single-person assembly by holding the desk part in place during assembly and providing a stable fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the desk part is placed on the cabinet base with protruding part, then the control panel can be assembled, but at least two people are required to hold the desk part in place

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAssembly operationVSAvoidAssembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The snap connectors are designed to automatically engage and secure the desk part to the cabinet base without requiring external assistance. The desk part self-secures through the snap connection mechanism, eliminating the need for a second person to hold it in place during assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The snap connectors are pre-positioned on the cabinet base and desk part before assembly. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the desk part is placed on the cabinet base, the snap connectors are already in the correct position to immediately secure it, preventing the need for manual holding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If screw connections are used to attach the desk part to the cabinet base, then stable connection is achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveConnection stabilityVSAvoidAssembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The snap connector mechanism replaces the traditional screw connection system. Instead of requiring multiple screw fastening operations, the snap connectors provide immediate mechanical engagement through a simple placement and snap action, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining connection stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into multiple snap connectors distributed at different locations between the desk part and cabinet base. This segmentation provides stable connection across the entire interface without requiring a single complex fastening operation, enabling quick assembly while ensuring reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the desk part protrudes beyond the cabinet base, then the control panel design is flexible, but the desk part cannot be easily placed in the assembly position

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDesign flexibilityVSAvoidAssembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The snap connectors act as intermediary elements between the protruding desk part and the cabinet base. They facilitate the connection by providing engagement points that guide and secure the desk part in its assembly position, making the protruding design easy to assemble despite the overhang

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2114200B1Control desk
Publication Date: 2016.01.06 RITTALWERK RUDOLF LOH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2114200B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2114200B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2114200B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a control desk comprising a cabinet base (10), a desk part (12) and a top part (14). The desk part (12) is arranged on the cabinet base (10) and projects over the front (16) thereof, the top part (14) being arranged on the desk part (12) and the part (18) of the desk part (12) projecting over the top part (14) being closable by means of a cover (20). A plurality of snap connections (68, 70) is effective between the lower face (42) of the desk part (12) and the upper face (46) of the cabinet base (10) and is arranged at least in the edge section of the upper face (46) of the cabinet base (10), thereby allowing for an easy assembly.