Modular Media Supply Device for Non-Destructive Workbench Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Permanently installed central supply systems for media like gas, compressed air, and electricity in school rooms lead to inefficient use of space and pose risks of misuse and accidents, especially during breaks when students are unattended.
Innovation Solution
A modular device with a housing that includes a medium storage or generation unit and an operating/connection device, attachable to a worktable with non-destructive holding means, allowing for flexible and secure media provision without obstructing the work surface, and can be easily stored or transported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanently installed central supply system is used to provide media like gas, compressed air, and electricity in school rooms, then media availability is ensured, but space usage becomes inefficient and risks of misuse and accidents increase
Solution Approach 1:
The permanently installed central supply system is divided into separate, mobile media supply units that can be independently positioned and configured. Each unit contains specific media storage or generation equipment (gas cylinders, compressors, suction pumps, accumulators, transformers, cooling devices, or water tanks) and can be detached from the worktable, allowing flexible arrangement and storage based on experimental needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The media supply system transitions from a static, permanently installed configuration to a dynamic, mobile system. The holding means enable the media supply unit to be easily attached to and detached from the worktable, allowing the system to be repositioned, stored, or reconfigured according to different teaching requirements and space availability.
2Reliability
If permanently installed fittings are used for media supply, then media provision is reliable, but risks of misuse and damage increase during breaks when students are unattended
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic control over media availability by allowing the media supply unit to be attached only when needed and detached during breaks or when not in use. This eliminates the constant presence of media fittings that could be misused, while maintaining reliable media provision during actual experimental activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means act as an intermediary mechanism that controls the connection between the media supply unit and the worktable. This intermediary allows for intentional, controlled attachment and detachment, preventing unauthorized or accidental access to media during unattended periods while ensuring secure connection during supervised use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular device with housing is used to store and generate media, then space usage is optimized and flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (storage, generation, dispensing, and control of media) are merged into a single integrated media supply unit with a housing that contains the medium storage or generation device. The operating and connection device is integrated with the holding means, creating a unified modular unit that simplifies installation and reduces the number of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The media supply unit is designed as a universal module that can provide various types of media (gas, compressed air, suction air, electricity, cooling water) depending on the specific device installed in the housing. The standardized holding means and operating interface allow the same structural design to serve multiple media types and experimental configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A general purpose table (1) has an arrangement for supplying and/or generating at least one utility service (26) controlled by at least one device (24), and which is temporarily fixed to the table by a fixing device (3), so that storage e.g. of a gas cylinder, or utility providing equipment e.g. a vacuum pump, is located below the table work-top. The fixing device may be suction cups, clamps or bolts. Independent claims are also included for the following: (i) an assembly able to provide at least one utility/ medium to a workbench, by having a unit which is secured by a first fixing device (3) to the bench via a second fixing component (32) which attaches to the table, without causing disruption or damage to the bench; and (ii) for a system of providing utilities which is attached to a table by a single fixing (3).