Spring-Biased Cubicle Wall Clip for Adjustable Height Extensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cubicle wall extender devices are not adjustable to fit differently sized cubicle walls and cannot accommodate extension elements made of various materials and sizes, limiting user flexibility in extending the height of cubicle walls.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable, temporary cubicle wall extender apparatus with cubicle wall attachment arms and extension element attachment arms, featuring a spring-biased attachment portion that can be adjusted to fit various cubicle wall widths and accommodate different paneling materials, allowing for removable attachment and extension of cubicle walls with various-sized, shaped, and material-based extension elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-made sneeze guards or extender panels are used, then the cubicle wall height is extended, but the device cannot be adjusted for different sizes, shapes, or materials
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment arms are designed with spring-biased joints that allow dynamic adjustment to different angles and positions. The arms can be manually positioned to accommodate various cubicle wall widths and extension element sizes, then held in place by spring tension. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility without requiring complex mechanical systems with multiple fasteners or adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows users to change the geometric parameters (angle, position, spacing) of the attachment arms to match different cubicle wall dimensions and extension element characteristics. By varying these parameters rather than changing the physical structure, the device achieves adaptability across multiple configurations while maintaining a simple overall design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size extension panels are used, then installation is simple, but the user cannot accommodate varying extension element sizes or materials
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased attachment mechanism provides automatic tension that secures extension elements of various sizes without requiring precise pre-adjustment. Users simply position the arms and the spring force maintains secure attachment, making the system both adaptable and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased design creates a self-adjusting system where the attachment arms automatically tension themselves when positioned, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation while achieving versatility.
3Reliability
If permanent attachment mechanisms are used, then the extension is stable, but the device cannot be removed or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased attachment provides reliable, stable holding force through continuous spring tension, while the manual positioning capability allows the entire assembly to be removed and repositioned. The dynamic spring mechanism maintains secure attachment during use but allows easy removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to temporarily and customarily extend cubicle walls vertically, providing a higher barrier against aerosol particles, noise, and light, while being removable and adaptable to various cubicle wall configurations and extension materials.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased attachment portion
Implementation Method 2
spring-biased attachment portion
Data Source
AI summary
A clip for removably attaching a cubicle wall extension element to a top surface of a cubicle wall includes two elongate arms rotatably coupled together at an attachment portion. Each one of the arms has an upper portion and a lower portion, and the attachment portion is disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion. Each one of the arms also has a first angled portion between the lower portion and the attachment portion, and a second angled portion between the attachment portion and the upper portion. A space between the lower portions of the arms is sized and shaped to fit over the top surface of the cubicle wall. A torsion spring is disposed between the two arms so that the two arms are spring biased to have a resting configuration in which the lower portions of the arms are open and the upper portions of the arms are closed.