Reconfigurable Frame Workstation Assembly for Rigid Benching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing benching systems face issues with wobbly construction, high complexity leading to increased costs and difficulty in assembly, limited reconfigurability, and inability to adapt to changing workspace needs, such as converting workstations to seating or optimizing space usage.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable benching system with a simplified core frame structure and minimal components that can be easily assembled and disassembled using few tools, allowing for various configurations by sliding and positioning components like leg members, channel members, and table top assemblies, which increases rigidity and supports wire management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If benching systems are designed with minimal component parts for easy assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but the resulting assemblies become wobbly and lack quality look and feel
Solution Approach 1:
The benching system is divided into modular components (leg members, table top assemblies, channel members) that can be independently assembled. Each component has standardized connection interfaces that simplify assembly while maintaining structural integrity through proper distribution of connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection features such as slots, lips, and mounting surfaces are pre-formed on components during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex field assembly operations, allowing simple tool-free or minimal-tool assembly while ensuring consistent, reliable connections that prevent wobbling.
2Reliability
If benching systems include a large number of components and mechanical linkages to provide high quality look and feel, then stability and appearance are improved, but expense and assembly complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are combined into single components. For example, leg members integrate structural support with mounting surfaces for both table tops and channel members. Table top assemblies combine the tabletop surface with integrated wire management features, eliminating the need for separate mechanical linkages and reducing overall component count while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are designed with universal connection interfaces that can accommodate multiple configuration options. The slot and lip features on leg members can accommodate different table top sizes and channel positions, allowing a single component design to serve multiple functions and configurations without requiring additional specialized parts.
3Ease of manufacture
If benching systems are designed with fixed configurations, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but reconfigurability for changing workspace needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The benching system transitions from fixed to dynamic reconfigurable design. Leg members include multiple slots at different positions along their length, allowing channel members and table tops to be relocated. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to reconfigure for different workspace requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized component designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows parameter changes in configuration without changing the fundamental component design. By varying the position of channels and table tops along the leg members' slots, the same standardized components can create different workspace layouts, maintaining manufacturing efficiency while achieving reconfigurability.
Data Source
AI summary
A furniture assembly comprising a first frame structure having front and rear portions and including at least a first leg member and a first rail member supported by the at least a first leg member where the first rail member has a first length dimension, second rail member supported by the at least a second leg member spaced apart from the first rail member wherein an assembly space includes the space between the first and second rail members, a first furniture sub-assembly having first and second ends, having a first depth dimension and a second furniture sub-assembly having first and second ends, a second depth dimension, wherein the combined first and second depth dimensions are less than the first length dimension.