Frame Table Channel Assembly for Stable Reconfigurable Workstations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing benching systems face challenges such as being wobbly and lacking quality due to minimal components, requiring complex assembly with tools, limited reconfigurability, inability to convert workstation configurations, and not allowing face-to-face workstation arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable benching system with a simplified core frame structure and additional components that can be assembled easily with minimal tools, allowing for various configurations and reconfiguration, featuring leg members, channel members, support members, and table top assemblies that can be rearranged to provide stability and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a minimal number of component parts are used to simplify assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but the assembly becomes wobbly and lacks quality
Solution Approach 1:
The benching system is divided into modular components (leg members, table top assemblies, support members) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each component is designed with standardized connection features that simplify assembly while maintaining structural integrity through proper distribution of connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple structural functions are combined into integrated components. The leg members incorporate both support and connection functions, while support members provide both structural reinforcement and attachment points for accessories. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts needed while maintaining stability.
2Reliability
If a large number of components and mechanical linkages are used to provide high quality look and feel, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Components are designed to perform multiple functions. Leg members provide structural support, attachment points for table tops, and mounting locations for accessories. Support members simultaneously reinforce the frame structure and provide attachment points for various accessories. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count while maintaining quality appearance and feel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow the structure to adapt to different configurations. Support members can be positioned at various locations, and the modular design enables easy reconfiguration without requiring complex disassembly procedures, maintaining quality appearance across different arrangements.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed configuration designs are used to simplify manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The benching system is divided into modular components (leg members, table top assemblies, support members) that can be independently manufactured using standardized processes. Each module is designed with universal connection features that allow the same manufactured parts to be assembled into different configurations, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow the structure to adapt to different configurations. Support members can be positioned at various locations along the leg members, and table top assemblies can be arranged in different patterns (single workstation, face-to-face, collaborative groups), enabling the same manufactured components to serve multiple purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A table assembly comprising at least a first leg member that forms a leg opening and a first support surface and a rigid elongated channel member that forms a channel that extends between first and second ends, at least the first end forming a wire passing opening suitable to pass wires into and out of the channel, the first end supportable by the first support surface in at least first and second different locations, wherein, when the channel is supported by the support surface at either of the first and second different positions, the wire passing opening is aligned with the leg opening so that wires can pass through the leg opening and into the channel.