Double top-plate desk
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double top-plate desks are not effectively utilized for work space expansion and object storage, as the upper and lower plates have limited functionality and require cumbersome movement to access the slidable top plate, leading to inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
A double top-plate desk design featuring two top plates of equal size, with the second top plate being slidably positioned rearward to expose the first top plate, allowing for expanded work area and storage without user movement, utilizing a see-through member for visibility and a slide mechanism for secure support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the upper top plate is housed under the display table when not in use, then the work space is compact, but the user cannot visually recognize documents and the storage space is difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The second top plate is nested within the space defined by the first top plate and display table, allowing it to slide between these boundaries. This nesting enables the second top plate to be stored compactly when not in use while remaining accessible through sliding motion, resolving the contradiction between compact storage and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The second top plate is designed to be slidable relative to the first top plate, transitioning between a retracted position (under the display table) and an extended position (providing additional workspace). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between compact storage and accessible workspace configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the slidable top plate is drawn toward the side opposite to the seated owner when dealing with a customer, then the customer service area is expanded, but the owner's work space is not effectively expanded and the owner must move around the desk to access it
Solution Approach 1:
The desk is segmented into two independent top plates that can move relative to each other. The second top plate can be slid independently toward the rear to expand customer service area, while the first top plate remains stationary for the owner's workspace, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without requiring the owner to move around the desk.
3Ease of manufacture
If the upper top plate is made smaller in depth and width compared to the lower top plate, then it fits under the display table, but the work space area is limited and not sufficient for effective clerical work
Solution Approach 1:
The second top plate is designed with dimensions that allow it to fit under the display table when retracted, but it can be extended forward by sliding over the first top plate to provide sufficient workspace area. This dynamic extension resolves the contradiction between fitting constraints and workspace requirements.
4Ease of operation
If there is only a gap between the slidable top plate and the desk top plate to avoid contact, then the slidable top plate can move freely, but no particular function or usage is expected from the slidable top plate when housed under the desk top plate
Solution Approach 1:
The second top plate is nested within the space between the first top plate and the display table, maintaining a gap for free sliding movement. When housed, it serves as a cover for the first top plate and provides visual transparency to see objects below, adding functional utility beyond mere movement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A double top-plate desk comprises a lower or first top plate 10, leg parts 40 for supporting the first top plate 10, and an upper or second top plate 20 which is substantially the same in size and shape as the first top plate 10, disposed above and substantially in parallel with the first top plate 10, slidably toward the rear (R) of the desk. The top plate 20 is slidable relative to the first top plate 10, from a state in which the two top plates are laid to overlap one above the other, toward the rear of the desk. To this end, a slide mechanism 30 is provided between the upper surface of the first top plate 10 and the lower surface of the second top plate 20 while supporting the second top plate 20 slidably toward the rear of the desk above the first top plate 10.