Modular worksurface system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional office furniture constructions lack flexibility and customization options for users, as they often restrict the placement of storage accessories, technology tools, and privacy panels to pre-designated locations, and existing cradles and mounts for electronic devices are not interchangeable or adaptable to individual preferences.
Innovation Solution
The worksurface system features a modular design with a plurality of openings and retention slots along its periphery, allowing for interchangeable accessories and privacy panels, and includes swivel arms and pivoting mechanisms to support electronic devices, enabling users to reposition these elements without tools and create various workspace configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If drawers, shelves, and privacy panels are located in pre-designated locations, then the construction is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user flexibility and customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The worksurface is segmented into multiple standardized locations (front, rear, left, right sides) with openings and retention slots. This segmentation allows accessories to be independently positioned at different locations while maintaining a simple overall construction framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The openings and retention slots serve multiple functions: they support drawers, shelves, privacy panels, and various accessories at different locations. This universal support system eliminates the need for separate mounting mechanisms for each accessory type, simplifying the overall construction while providing extensive user flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If repositioning of drawers, shelves, and privacy panels is allowed, then user customization is improved, but the repositioning process requires complicated steps and tooling
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is extracted as a separate, simple component (retention slot with retention clip) that can be easily engaged and disengaged. This allows users to remove and reposition accessories without requiring tools or complicated steps, while still providing secure attachment when installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention slot and retention clip design enables self-service repositioning by the user. The retention clip can be manually inserted into or removed from the retention slot without tools, allowing users to easily customize their workspace by repositioning accessories according to their preferences.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cradles, stands, and mounts for electronic devices are fixed at particular locations, then the construction is simplified, but the placement variability and user preference adaptation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The same openings and retention slots that support drawers and shelves are also used to support cradles, stands, and mounts for electronic devices. This universal support system provides placement variability for electronic devices without requiring separate mounting mechanisms, thus avoiding increased construction complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple standardized locations are provided along the periphery of the worksurface where electronic device supports can be positioned. This segmentation allows users to place devices at different locations (front, rear, left, right sides) according to their preferences while maintaining a simple, consistent construction framework.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved worksurface for home and office furniture constructions. The improved worksurface generally includes a plurality of vertical openings disposed along at least a portion of the periphery of the worksurface, where the vertical openings are adapted to support removable and interchangeable accessories. The accessories can include shelving units, support stands, storage baskets, swivel arms, docking cradles, and display mounts, for example, each being positionable at multiple locations along the periphery of the worksurface. The vertical openings are optionally disposed within a recessed portion extending adjacent a rear edge of the worksurface. In use, a user can reposition the accessories as desired, providing enhanced flexibility and customization over existing constructions.