Hinged Partition System with Gear-Driven Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Office furniture systems face challenges in providing flexible and reliable power and data access while accommodating changing work styles and physical infrastructure, as traditional cabling can be damaged by bending, leading to productivity halts and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable partition assembly with hingedly connected partitions and gear-based hinge assemblies that allow for adjustable configurations, reducing cable stress and providing accessible power and data ports, along with height-adjustable leg assemblies and cable passageways to manage cabling safely and flexibly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed paneling systems are used, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and reconfigurability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed rigid connections with hinge assemblies that allow partitions to move between fixed and angled positions. The hinge mechanism with gear arms and connection assemblies enables dynamic reconfiguration while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitioning system is divided into modular partitions that can be independently positioned and reconfigured. Each partition is a discrete unit connected to others through hinge assemblies, allowing flexible arrangement while maintaining overall system stability through standardized connection interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If partitions are made movable and reconfigurable, then flexibility is improved, but cable damage risk increases due to bending
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between partitions, providing a controlled path for cables to follow during movement. The gear arms and connection assemblies guide cable routing to maintain minimum bend radius, preventing damage while enabling reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates preliminary cable management features in the hinge assembly design, pre-planning cable paths and protection measures before movement occurs. The hinge structure includes built-in cable guides and protection mechanisms that are prepared in advance to prevent bending damage during subsequent reconfiguration actions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hinge assemblies are added for reconfigurability, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism: structural connection between partitions, controlled movement guidance, cable routing protection, and position stabilization. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity compared to separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it provides the mechanical connection for structural stability, enables controlled reconfiguration movement, protects cables during movement, and maintains aesthetic appearance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A partition assembly includes partitions hingedly connected in series. The partitions include a frame with a spaced upright member, a mounting assembly, and upper and lower cross members connecting the upright members. One or both cross members include power and/or data ports. Panels disposed on either side of the frame are movable between upper and lower positions, providing access to the ports. Upper and lower hinge assemblies connect the partitions. The hinge assemblies include gear arms fixed to the upright members with gear heads extending away from the partition that engage the gear head of an adjacent partition. The upright members include aligned apertures defining ports providing a cable passageway from the interior of adjacent partitions. End foot assemblies extend from the ends of the partition assembly and interior foot assemblies extends from between the geared connections of the partitions.