Workplace system with flexible mounting area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing workstation systems are inflexible and time-consuming to reconfigure for different workpieces, with a risk of damage during reloading, as they require separate table adjustments and new shelf components for each workpiece.

Innovation Solution

A base unit with height-adjustable legs, a connecting element, and interfaces for interchangeable assembly tables and shelves, allowing easy attachment and detachment without damaging the workpiece, featuring a hook interface for secure mounting and rotatable feet for space efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If workstation systems use fixed table-based arrangements with dedicated shelving for each workpiece, then assembly parts are readily accessible, but the system becomes inflexible and time-consuming to reconfigure for different workpieces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different workpiecesVSAvoidtime for reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base unit is designed with a universal interface system comprising two vertical plates and at least one beam that can accommodate multiple assembly tables and shelving units through hook mechanisms. This universal design allows the same base unit to serve different workpieces by simply changing the attached tables and shelves, eliminating the need for dedicated workstations for each workpiece type and enabling quick reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The workstation system is divided into modular components: a base unit with interface elements, interchangeable assembly tables, and separate shelving units. Each component can be independently attached or detached through the standardized interface, allowing rapid reconfiguration for different workpieces without moving entire workstation systems, thus reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If workpieces are brought to the workstation on a separate table and lifted onto the work surface, then the workstation can accommodate different workpieces, but the transfer process is time-consuming and carries a risk of damaging the workpiece

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to process different workpiecesVSAvoidrisk of workpiece damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interface system merges the base unit with the assembly table and shelving unit through the hook mechanism, creating an integrated workstation configuration. The workpiece remains on the assembly table throughout the assembly process, eliminating the need for separate transfer operations between tables and reducing the risk of damage while maintaining the ability to accommodate different workpieces by changing the attached table.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized interface acts as an intermediary between the base unit and interchangeable assembly tables, providing a secure connection that allows different tables to be attached without direct handling of the workpiece. This intermediary mechanism enables workpiece versatility while protecting against damage by eliminating manual transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the shelving system requires appropriate assembly parts for each workpiece, then the right parts are available for each workpiece, but different workpieces necessitate the installation of new shelving components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of appropriate assembly partsVSAvoidcomplexity of reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelving units are designed with universal interfaces that match the base unit's hook system, allowing the same shelving components to be used across different workstation configurations. This eliminates the need to install new shelving components for each workpiece type, as the universal interface accommodates various shelving arrangements while maintaining proper part availability for different assembly needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the interface for assembly table attachment is located on the front of the base unit, then the assembly table can be easily attached and detached, but the interface structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidinterface structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex locking mechanisms or tools for attachment, the interface uses a simple hook system where the assembly table's hook engages with the beam between the vertical plates. This inverted approach simplifies the interface structure by using basic geometric shapes (hooks and beams) rather than complex mechanical fasteners, while maintaining ease of attachment and detachment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3456220B1Workplace system with flexible mounting area

Publication Date: 2020.12.30 ELABO

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AI summary

The invention relates to a base unit for a workstation system, comprising at least two legs which are height-adjustable, at least one connecting element which connects the legs to each other and at least one interface for an assembly table, so that the assembly table can be attached to the base unit, wherein the interface can be activated from the front of the base unit.