Frame type workstation configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing benching systems face challenges such as being wobbly and lacking quality due to minimal components, requiring complex assembly with tools, limited reconfigurability, and inability to adapt for different workstation needs like converting workstations to seating or optimizing space usage.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable benching system with a simplified core frame structure and additional components that can be easily assembled and disassembled using few tools, allowing for various configurations and adaptability, including face-to-face workstation arrangements and efficient wire management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a minimal number of component parts is used to simplify assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but the resulting assembly becomes wobbly and lacks quality look and feel
Solution Approach 1:
The benching system is divided into modular components including leg members, top members, wire management components, and storage components. Each component is designed with standardized connection features that enable simple tool-free assembly while maintaining structural integrity through proper distribution of connection points across multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection features such as recesses, protrusions, and mounting surfaces are pre-formed during manufacturing of individual components. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex field assembly operations, allowing components to be connected directly through simple alignment and engagement actions without requiring tools or additional processing.
2Reliability
If a large number of components and mechanical linkages are used to provide high quality look and feel, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are integrated into single components to reduce overall system complexity. For example, leg members incorporate both structural support and wire management features; top members include both work surface and mounting capabilities; storage components are designed to attach directly to the frame structure. This consolidation maintains quality appearance while minimizing the number of separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are designed with universal connection features that enable multiple assembly configurations and uses. The standardized recesses, protrusions, and mounting surfaces allow the same components to serve different functions in various workstation arrangements, eliminating the need for specialized parts for each configuration type.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed configuration designs are used to simplify manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability and reconfigurability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The benching system employs dynamic, reconfigurable connections rather than fixed rigid assemblies. Components feature reversible attachment mechanisms that allow users to disassemble and reassemble the system in different configurations. The standardized connection interfaces enable easy repositioning of leg members, top members, and storage components to create various workstation layouts as needs change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of configuration parameters such as workstation quantity, arrangement pattern, and component positioning through simple reassembly operations. By changing the number and position of connected components rather than redesigning the entire system, the same manufactured parts can adapt to different spatial requirements and user needs.
4Manufacturing precision
If specialized tools are required for assembly to ensure proper connection, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection features are designed to self-align and self-secure during assembly without requiring external tools or specialized skills. Recesses and protrusions provide automatic positioning guidance; friction-fit and snap-fit mechanisms create secure connections through simple insertion and engagement actions. This self-service design ensures manufacturing precision is achieved through the component geometry itself rather than tool-assisted operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A furniture assembly comprising a first frame structure having front and rear portions and including at least a first leg member and a substantially horizontal first rail member supported by the at least a first leg member where the first rail member has a first length dimension, a substantially horizontal second rail member supported by the at least a second leg member spaced apart from the first rail member wherein an assembly space includes the space between the first and second rail members, a front portion of the assembly space adjacent the front portion of the first frame structure and a rear portion of the assembly space adjacent the rear portion of the first frame structure, a first furniture sub-assembly having first and second ends, having a first depth dimension and supported within the assembly space by the first and second rail members and a second furniture sub-assembly having first and second ends, a second depth dimension and supported within the assembly space by the first rail member and a rail member of another frame structure, wherein the combined first and second depth dimensions are less than the first length dimension.