Desk Crossbar Hollow Profile for Stable Modular Attachments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-function desk kits lack structural simplicity, versatility, and expandability, with components that perform only basic functions and fail to provide adequate stability and design flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The kit features hollow profiles with specific profile surfaces and cranked angles that create shadow gaps for additional element attachment, along with slots and passage openings for enhanced stability and attachment options, allowing for adjustable table legs and expandable configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional solid profiles are used for cross members, then structural stability is achieved, but the profile width increases and versatility for additional attachments is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidversatility for attachments

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cross member profile is segmented into multiple functional surfaces: a first profile surface for table top attachment, a second profile surface perpendicular to the first, a third profile surface parallel to the first, and a fourth inclined surface. This segmentation allows each surface to serve specific functions while maintaining overall structural integrity and enabling versatile attachments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The profile design transitions from traditional two-dimensional cross-sections to a three-dimensional multi-surface structure with inclined surfaces and cranked transitions. The fourth inclined surface extending at an obtuse angle from the third profile surface creates additional attachment zones and shadow gaps, adding functional dimensions without increasing overall profile width.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If narrow profile width is achieved, then design flexibility and attachment options increase, but structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The fifth profile surface is nested within the profile structure, facing the viewer and made very narrow. This nested configuration allows the profile to maintain a sleek, narrow external dimension while containing multiple functional surfaces and attachment points within its three-dimensional structure, preventing visual clutter and maintaining design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cranked transition surfaces act as intermediaries between the different profile surfaces, creating shadow gaps that serve as engagement zones for mounting elements. These intermediary surfaces enable attachments to be secured without requiring the profile itself to be wide, thus maintaining both stability and narrow external dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple profile surfaces with cranked transitions are created, then attachment options and stability increase, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment optionsVSAvoidprofile complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional surfaces (first, second, third, fourth, and fifth profile surfaces) are merged into a single integrated hollow profile structure. The cranked transitions are incorporated as continuous surface features rather than separate components, allowing the profile to provide multiple attachment zones and shadow gaps while being manufactured as one piece, thus reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If passage openings are added to profile surfaces, then ease of assembly and attachment of fixing elements is improved, but structural integrity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidprofile strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Passage openings are added locally to specific profile surfaces (such as the first and third profile surfaces) rather than throughout the entire profile structure. This localized approach allows fixing screws to be attached easily at critical locations while maintaining the structural integrity of the overall hollow profile, as the openings are strategically positioned to minimize weakening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2138069B1Component for manufacturing a multi-function writing or work desk

Publication Date: 2010.10.13 SEDUS SYST

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AI summary

The kit (1) forms transverse crossbars (5) and longitudinal crossbars, which are fastened under a tabletop (2). The crossbars are formed from hollow profiles. The profiles comprise a profile surface for fixing at a lower side of the tabletop. Another profile surface runs perpendicular to the former profile surface and leads to a third profile surface that is parallel to the former profile surface. A fourth profile surface is bent at a stump angle and leads to a fifth profile surface that is parallel to the latter profile surface. The fifth profile surface leads to the former profile surface.