Modular Office Partition Wiring Raceway Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular office partitions are expensive and complex, lacking in cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacturing while still requiring the capability to pass wiring such as data and electrical cables.
Innovation Solution
A modular office partition design featuring a frame with vertically spaced elongate post members and beam members, where the post members have longitudinal slotways to receive the beam members, allowing for the passage of wiring through defined raceways and using a lightweight, inexpensive construction method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional modular office partitions are used to provide wiring passage capability, then wiring passage capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The partition is divided into modular components (posts, beams, panels) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The wiring passage function is segmented into specific channels within the post and beam structures, allowing the wiring capability to be integrated into specific components rather than requiring complex overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The posts and beams serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, define the partition geometry, and simultaneously incorporate integrated wiring channels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wiring conduits or complex routing structures, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining wiring passage capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional modular office partitions are used to provide wiring passage capability, then wiring passage capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the partition into standardised posts, beams, and panels, each component can be manufactured independently using efficient processes. The wiring channels are integrated into these modular components during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly wiring installations and reducing overall manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses standardised dimensions and configurations for posts and beams that optimise manufacturing efficiency. The wiring channels are designed with specific geometric parameters that allow for cost-effective fabrication methods while maintaining the required wiring passage capability.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight construction is used for partitions, then weight is reduced, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The partition employs composite construction combining lightweight materials (such as aluminium or hollow metal sections for posts and beams, and panel materials) with strategic reinforcement elements. This allows the overall weight to be reduced while maintaining structural integrity through the synergistic combination of materials with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural framework is segmented into posts and beams that can be optimised independently for weight-to-strength ratio. The lightweight construction achieves structural integrity through the distributed framework design rather than requiring heavy solid sections, allowing each component to be minimised in weight while contributing to overall structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A partition with a frame having two vertical end post members spanned by beam members with each end post member having an internally directed longitudinal slotway open towards the other end post member and within which the ends of the beam members are received and, preferably, with the end post members having a front to back width greater than the front to back width of the beam members such that vertical raceways are defined between the post members outward of the beam members and inward of removable cladding panels coupled to each front and back of the frame outward of the post members. Preferably, channelways through each post member, preferably at the upper and/or lower ends of each post member, provide for access to the vertical raceways via horizontal raceways extending between the posts above and below each beam.