Modular Coupling Assembly for Office Desk Power and Data Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing process of setting up office spaces is time-consuming due to the separate steps involved in assembling furniture and electrical connections, which prolongs the overall installation time.

Innovation Solution

A coupling module assembly for office desks that allows for simple and secure coupling of power strips, electrical connectors, and data ports to work surfaces, combining the assembly of work surfaces and electrical connections into a single, streamlined process using clamping mechanisms and adjustable supports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If separate processes are used for assembling furniture and electrical connections, then each process can be performed with specialized equipment, but the overall installation time is excessively prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the furniture assembly process and electrical connection installation into a single integrated process. The coupling module is installed on the desk surface first, and then electrical connections are led through the same opening, eliminating the need for separate installation steps and reducing overall installation time while maintaining process specialization through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of time

If multiple separate steps are involved in setting up office spaces, then each step can be optimized independently, but the overall setup time increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation timeVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the installation system into modular components: the coupling module with adjustable supports is installed first to create openings in the desk surface, and then electrical connections are independently routed through these openings. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized separately while the modular interface enables rapid assembly, reducing total installation time without compromising ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies and accelerates the assembly of functional working spaces by integrating the installation of work surfaces and electrical connections, reducing the overall installation time and enhancing the stability and customization of workstations.

Implementation Method 1

the tightening means may comprise a spring which, as a result of its elastic constant, forces one of the supports against the other support such that, when a tabletop or desk is placed between both supports, said tabletop or desk is clamped between both supports

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3788910B1Coupling module for an office desk
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC ESPANA SA
  • EP3788910B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3788910B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3788910B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a coupling module for an office desk comprising: at least one coupling module (100), and at least a first connection module (200); wherein the connection module (200) comprises one or more connections selected from: a current tap, a data connection, and a telephony connection; and wherein the connection module (200) is configured for being coupled to the coupling module (100); wherein the coupling module (100) comprises an upper support (102), a lower support (101), and tightening means (104); wherein the coupling module (100) is configured for being coupled to a tabletop (3) or desk by means of clamping said tabletop (3) or desk between the upper support (102) and the lower support (101); wherein the tightening means (104) are configured for clamping and tightening the upper support (102) and the lower support (101) against the tabletop (3) or desk.