Furniture with pivotable electronics rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pedestals under large tables make it difficult to access internally mounted electronics due to the overhanging tabletop, which obstructs access to the equipment and wiring.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable electronics rack is integrated into the pedestal, allowing it to be mounted within a structural enclosure that can be pivoted between a stowed and access position, with a tool-less locking mechanism and telescoping slide mechanisms for easy access and secure storage, along with cable management and cooling features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pedestal is placed under a large tabletop that overhangs in all directions, then the wiring and equipment are protected from feet and users are protected from bumping into equipment, but access to equipment within the pedestal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the rack movable rather than fixed. The rack can be pivoted between a stowed position (fully inside the pedestal enclosure) and an access position (partially outside the enclosure), allowing users to easily access equipment when needed while maintaining protection when the rack is in the stowed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the rack inside the pedestal enclosure. The rack is nested within the enclosed space defined by the base, sidewalls, and partition, allowing the equipment to be stored within the pedestal while maintaining a clean external appearance.
2Ease of operation
If the rack is made pivotable to improve access, then equipment becomes easily accessible, but the structural complexity of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting system into distinct components: the base, sidewalls, partition defining the enclosure, and the separately mounted rack. The rack is attached to the base and partition through a simplified pivot mechanism rather than being permanently fixed, reducing overall system complexity while enabling movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pins as intermediary elements to connect the rack to the base and partition. These pins serve as simple mechanical mediators that enable the pivoting motion without requiring complex hinges or mounting mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while achieving the desired accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A pedestal for a conference table or other furniture has a shell having an opening, and a rack for electronic equipment mounted within the opening. The rack is pivotable about a vertical axis between a stowed position in which the rack is entirely within the pedestal and an access position in which the rack is largely outside the pedestal.