Pinwheel Table Layout Around a Rectangular Pillar

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional arrangements of tables and desks in limited spaces, such as libraries, suffer from low two-dimensional space efficiency due to chair placement, which occupies significant space and compromises user convenience and privacy.

Innovation Solution

A furniture system featuring a rectangular pillar surrounded by tables in a pinwheel shape, where long sides of the tables' top plates contact short sides, allowing for efficient space utilization without sacrificing user convenience and privacy, and incorporating partitions and additional pillars to optimize space arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If tables and desks are arranged in line or facing each other in a limited space, then user convenience and privacy are maintained, but two-dimensional space efficiency deteriorates due to chair occupation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenience and privacyVSAvoidtwo-dimensional space efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional linear or facing arrangements to a pinwheel configuration where tables are arranged around a central pillar in a rotational pattern. This dimensional reorganization allows chairs to be placed alternately on opposite sides of the pillar, enabling users to face each other without requiring additional lateral space, thereby improving space efficiency while maintaining conversational convenience and privacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple tables are arranged to maximize space utilization, then space efficiency improves, but user privacy and convenience deteriorate due to increased obstructions and crowding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoiduser convenience and privacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the seating arrangement into distinct segments around the central pillar, with each table positioned at a specific angular interval in the pinwheel configuration. This segmentation creates natural spatial divisions that maintain user privacy while allowing efficient use of the available floor area, as each user group has a defined zone without excessive crowding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pinwheel arrangement creates an asymmetric pattern around the central pillar, with tables positioned at varying angular distances and orientations. This asymmetric configuration optimizes space utilization by adapting to the available area while maintaining adequate spacing between user groups, preventing crowding and preserving convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2976970B1Furniture system and method for arranging same
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 CHO
  • EP2976970B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2976970B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2976970B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a furniture system and a method for arranging the same capable of improving a space efficiency using a rectangular pillar. In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of tables can be arranged efficiently in a limited space without sacrificing the convenience and privacy of the users of the tables.