Workspace system and components and method for the use thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing workspace systems lack portability and modularity, requiring disassembly and reassembly by trained personnel, and have incompatible accessory interfaces, leading to increased costs and user confusion.

Innovation Solution

A workspace system with wheeled base components and standardized accessory interfaces that allow for easy reconfiguration and compatibility of accessories across different components, enabling quick rearrangement and use by a single user without tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If workspace systems use fixed walls and panels without wheels, then structural stability is improved, but portability and reconfigurability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidportability and reconfigurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base components are equipped with wheels that enable dynamic movement and reconfiguration of the workspace system. The wheels allow the fixed walls and panels to become mobile, transforming the system from static to dynamic while maintaining structural integrity during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The workspace system is divided into modular base components, each with its own set of wheels. This segmentation allows individual components to be moved and reconfigured independently, enhancing portability while maintaining the overall structural stability of each module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If workspace systems require disassembly and reassembly by trained personnel, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of operation and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidease of reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from requiring static assembly/disassembly to enabling dynamic reconfiguration. Users can move and rearrange base components on-the-fly using wheels, eliminating the need for tools and trained personnel while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The workspace system enables end-users to perform reconfiguration themselves without requiring trained facility management personnel. The standardized accessory interfaces and wheel-based mobility allow users to independently rearrange components as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If workspace systems use non-standardized accessory interfaces, then compatibility with specific accessories is improved, but adaptability and inventory requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessory compatibilityVSAvoidaccessory interchangeability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Standardized accessory interfaces are implemented across all base components, allowing a single accessory design to serve multiple functions and be interchangeable between different base components. This universality maintains reliable connections while significantly improving adaptability and reducing inventory requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory interfaces are made homogeneous across different base components, ensuring consistent connection standards. This homogeneity allows accessories to be reliably attached to any base component while enabling easy interchangeability and reducing the need for multiple accessory types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

4Adaptability or versatility

If workspace systems require multiple types of accessories for different base components, then specific functionality is improved, but device complexity and costs deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecific functionalityVSAvoidaccessory inventory complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single standardized accessory interface design is applied across all base components, allowing one type of accessory to provide specific functionality for multiple different base components. This universality reduces accessory inventory complexity while maintaining the ability to provide specific functions where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11633040B2Workspace system and components and method for the use thereof

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 STEELCASE INC

AI summary

A workspace system includes different base components, different accessory interfaces and different accessories. Different accessory interfaces may be fixed to different base components, and different accessories may be releasably engaged by different, or the same accessory interfaces. The same accessories may be engaged by different accessory interfaces. The base components and accessories may be reconfigured to define different workspaces. Methods of assembling and reconfiguring the workspaces are also provided.