Platform for a variably adaptable piece of furniture, such a piece of furniture, and method for controlling such a piece of furniture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture solutions are inflexible and specific to individual work or operating environments, making them unsuitable for adaptation to different applications, and there is a need for 'smart' furniture with integrated electrical or electronic functionalities for ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A platform with a base, column, and universal mounting bracket that supports interchangeable accessory modules, featuring a mechanical mounting interface, identification interface, and control unit for adapting electrical or electronic functionalities based on the mounted module, enabling flexible and variable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If furniture is designed for specific individual work or operating environments, then it can provide specialized functionality for that environment, but it cannot be adapted to different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The furniture system is divided into a base structure and interchangeable accessory modules. Each module can be independently attached or detached, allowing the furniture to be reconfigured for different applications without redesigning the entire structure. This segmentation enables high adaptability while keeping the base structure simple and standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure is designed as a universal platform that can support multiple types of accessory modules through standardized mounting interfaces. This allows a single base unit to serve multiple functions by simply changing the attached module, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If interchangeable accessory modules are easily mounted and detached, then flexibility is improved, but mechanical stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting interface incorporates dynamic elements such as spring-loaded clamps or cam mechanisms that allow quick attachment and detachment through simple user actions. When properly engaged, these mechanisms provide sufficient mechanical stability to hold the accessory module securely during use, thus achieving both ease of operation and adequate strength.
3Ease of operation
If electrical and electronic functionalities are integrated into furniture, then ease of use and intelligence are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically detects which accessory module is mounted and autonomously adjusts the electrical and electronic settings without requiring manual user configuration. The system self-configures parameters such as power supply, lighting, or other electronic functions based on the identified module, thereby improving ease of use while managing complexity through automation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the platform automatically adjusts electrical functionalities based on mounted modules, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification interface provides feedback about which accessory module is mounted to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the electrical and electronic settings. This feedback loop enables automatic adaptation without requiring complex manual programming, as the system responds dynamically to the detected module type.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a platform (1) for a variably adaptable piece of furniture (13, 13a, 13b) and to a piece of furniture having such a platform (1). The platform (1) has a base (2), a column (3) and also an installation holder (4, 4a, 4b) for the installation of interchangeable accessory modules (5, 5a, 5b). The universal installation holder (4, 4a, 4b) has a mechanical installation interface (6) for the installation and removal of interchangeable accessory modules (5, 5a, 5b). The platform (1) has electrical functionality. In addition, the platform (1) has an identification interface (7) for the identification of an accessory module (5, 5a, 5b) installed on the platform (1) and also has a control unit. The control unit is designed to receive from the identification interface (7) identification information relating to an accessory module (5, 5a, 5b) installed on the platform (1), and to control adaptation of the electrical functionality of the platform (1) in dependence on the identification information received.