Modular Table Connection Mechanism for Independent Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table connection mechanisms fail to provide independent height adjustment and stability for multiple interconnected tables, limiting flexible workspace arrangements and user comfort due to leg space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A connection mechanism featuring a base with columns, cross-members, and fasteners that create a gap between cross-member connection bodies and bracket bodies, allowing for independent height adjustment of each tabletop while maintaining structural rigidity and stability through a gap that spaces these elements, enabling significant leg space and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If tables are connected using traditional rigid connection mechanisms, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility for independent height adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into separate modular components: a first connection component attached to the first table, a second connection component attached to the second table, and a fastener that joins them. This segmentation allows each table to be independently adjusted while maintaining connection stability through the fastener assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism incorporates adjustable features that allow dynamic height modification. The fastener can be positioned at different locations along the connection components, enabling independent height adjustment of each table while maintaining a stable connected structure during use.
2Productivity
If tables are positioned close together to facilitate collaboration, then workspace efficiency is improved, but leg space for user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism extends the support structure horizontally through cross-members that connect between tables. This dimensional extension provides additional structural support that allows tables to be positioned closer together while maintaining stability, thereby preserving leg space without compromising workspace efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If cross-members are directly attached to columns, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but connection rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Connection components serve as intermediary elements between the columns and cross-members. These intermediaries provide standardized attachment points that simplify manufacturing while ensuring rigid connections through the fastener assembly, bridging the gap between manufacturing simplicity and connection strength.
4Ease of operation
If gap distance between connection components is increased, then ease of assembly is improved, but connection strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener assembly is designed to automatically provide adequate connection strength once assembled. The self-tapping or threading action of the fastener creates a rigid connection that compensates for any initial gap, allowing ease of assembly without sacrificing connection strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A table arrangement includes connection mechanisms for inter-connection of height adjustable tabletops so that the tabletops are independently moveable in a stable way. Embodiments of the table arrangement can be configured so that different height adjustable tabletops can be arranged to accommodate different users' preferences. Some embodiments of the table arrangement can utilize at least one cross-member connection mechanism connected to at least one column connection mechanisms 20.