Modular Office Desking Assembly for Stable Open-Plan Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing office furniture systems fail to provide a highly stable and configurable desking solution for open-plan office environments, lacking versatility in accommodating various spatial needs and user interactions.

Innovation Solution

A modular desking system with height-adjustable tables, interchangeable leg assemblies, and modular components that allow for various configurations, including back-to-back pedestal arrangements and beam-based seating systems, to create stable and adaptable workspaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If partition systems are used to subdivide open floor plan office space, then privacy and individual space are improved, but spatial openness and interaction are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprivacyVSAvoidspatial openness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The partition system is divided into modular panels that can be independently configured and repositioned, allowing privacy to be provided only where needed while maintaining open spaces for interaction and collaboration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition panels are designed to be movable and reconfigurable rather than fixed, enabling the office layout to dynamically adapt to changing needs for both privacy and openness throughout the day

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If desking systems with modular components are used, then configurability and adaptability are improved, but structural stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconfigurabilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple modular leg assemblies are combined with the desk top through integrated mounting mechanisms, creating a unified stable structure that maintains structural integrity while preserving configurability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are designed with standardized connection interfaces that serve multiple functions: enabling easy assembly/disassembly for reconfiguration while simultaneously providing robust structural support when assembled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If vertical columns are oriented at 45° angles to horizontal feet, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical columns are pre-assembled at the specified 45° angles during manufacturing, allowing the stability benefit to be achieved without increasing on-site assembly complexity or requiring complex field adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8967054B2Office desking system

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 KIMBALL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A modular desking system for an open plan office environment provides a variety of highly stable and variously configurable component parts which can be modularly combined with one another to provide a wide variety of desking styles and sizes. The user may decide among many options for linking various desking system assemblies with one another to create a larger desking assembly well suited to various open-plan office spaces.