Work Surface Grommet Outlet Assembly for Accessible Power Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power and communication outlet units mounted under work surfaces of furniture lack efficient integration with the surface, making them inaccessible when not in use and not seamlessly integrated with the work surface.
Innovation Solution
A utility receptacle apparatus comprising a grommet member with a frame structure and a receptacle base member, where the grommet member is mounted through an opening in the furniture surface, allowing the receptacle base with utility outlets to be attached underneath, providing accessible power and communication outlets through the surface while maintaining a seamless top surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power and communication outlets are mounted under the work surface, then accessibility to outlets is improved, but integration with the work surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet unit is divided into separate components: a lid portion that interfaces with the work surface and a base portion containing the outlets. This segmentation allows the lid to maintain surface integrity while the base provides accessible outlets underneath.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet unit is nested within the work surface structure, with the lid fitting into an opening in the work surface and the base positioned underneath. This nesting arrangement integrates the outlets into the furniture while maintaining surface continuity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If outlets are mounted below the work surface, then surface integrity is maintained, but accessibility when not in use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be opened when outlets need access and closed when not in use. This dynamic element provides both surface integrity when closed and accessibility when opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable lid acts as an intermediary between the work surface and the outlets below. It maintains surface integrity when closed while enabling access to outlets when opened, mediating between the conflicting requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a lid is added to cover the outlet unit, then surface continuity is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid and base are merged into a single integrated outlet unit assembly that can be installed as one component. This merging reduces installation complexity while maintaining surface continuity through the lid.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility receptacle apparatus for use with an article of furniture having a work surface and an opening in the work surface. The utility receptacle apparatus has a grommet member having a top side, a bottom side, a peripheral portion and an opening. The bottom side has a structure that fits into an opening in the work surface. The peripheral portion contacts the work surface when the structure is disposed within the opening in the work surface. The utility receptacle apparatus includes a receptacle base member that is configured to be attached to the underside of a work surface of the article of furniture. A utility receptacle is located on the receptacle base member at a predetermined location so that the utility receptacle is accessible through the openings in the work surface and grommet member when the receptacle base member is attached to the underside of the work surface.