Modular Console Support Structure for Reconfigurable Workstations

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional consoles are often custom-manufactured, making them expensive and difficult to modify or retrofit, and lack flexibility in size, shape, and configuration to accommodate unique user needs and environments.

Innovation Solution

A modular support structure with adjustable legs, cable management systems, and customizable work surfaces that allow for easy reconfiguration and adaptation to various environments, including sloped or curved walls, using metal extrusions and self-clinching nuts for secure assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If custom manufacturing is used to meet unique user requirements, then the console can be tailored to specific workstation size, equipment placement, and human engineering needs, but the cost and manufacturing time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization to user needsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The console is divided into modular components including adjustable legs, work surfaces, equipment supports, and cable management systems. Each module can be independently manufactured using standard processes and then assembled to create customized configurations, reducing both manufacturing cost and time while maintaining adaptability to user needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and adjustable features that allow the same basic parts to serve multiple functions and configurations. For example, legs can be adjusted to different heights and angles, and work surfaces can be repositioned to accommodate various equipment layouts, eliminating the need for completely custom-manufactured solutions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom manufacturing is used for unique console requirements, then the console can be tailored to specific applications, but subsequent modification and reconfiguration become very difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial customizationVSAvoidmodifiability and reconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the console into discrete modular components with standardized connection interfaces, the system enables easy disassembly, reconfiguration, and modification. Users can adjust leg positions, reposition work surfaces, and reconfigure equipment supports without requiring specialized manufacturing processes or tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The console incorporates adjustable and movable features such as height-adjustable legs, repositionable work surfaces, and configurable equipment supports. These dynamic elements allow the console to be easily modified and reconfigured to adapt to changing user needs and applications over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If standard sizes and shapes are used to provide a 'best fit' solution, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the console cannot easily accommodate unique room layouts or specific equipment configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidfit to room layout and equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The console system uses standardized modular components that can be assembled in various configurations to fit different room layouts and equipment arrangements. The modular approach maintains low manufacturing costs through standardization while providing the flexibility to adapt to unique spatial requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable features of the modular components allow the console to be dynamically configured to match specific room geometries and equipment placements. Legs can be adjusted for different heights and angles, and work surfaces can be repositioned to accommodate curved or sloped walls, support pillars, and multi-level floors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2859812B1Console furniture and features thereof
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 EVANS CONSOLES CORP
  • EP2859812B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP2859812B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3A
  • EP2859812B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5A

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to console furniture and related features. A support structure is provided for supporting a work surface, the support structure comprising a frame defining an interior space, a frame brace receivable into the interior space of the frame, a support for supporting the work surface, and at least one fastening mechanism for extending between the frame brace and the support to clamp the frame therebetween, thereby securing the support about the frame. A console with a height adjustable work surface is also provided.