Pull-Out Power Tray Assembly for Hidden Cord Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional office spaces with freestanding worksurfaces often lack convenient and controlled access to power and data sources, leading to cluttered and tangled cords that impede effective use and aesthetics, especially in multi-functional environments where cords need to be relocated.
Innovation Solution
A pull-out tray assembly that moves between closed and open positions, providing access to power outlets and communication ports from beneath the worksurface, with a slide mechanism and pivotally connected tray that hides cords beneath the surface, allowing for both functional and dining uses without clutter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power outlets and data ports are installed in walls of conventional office spaces, then power and data access is provided, but cords become cluttered and tangled on the worksurface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts power outlets and data ports from traditional wall locations and relocates them to a pull-out tray assembly that can be positioned directly behind or beneath the worksurface. This extraction removes cords from the worksurface environment, eliminating clutter and entanglement while maintaining access to power and data connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull-out tray assembly serves as an intermediary between the worksurface and the power/data sources. It provides a controlled access point that mediates cord management by containing cords within the tray structure, allowing users to access power and data without cords being exposed on the worksurface.
2Ease of operation
If power cords are placed on top of the worksurface for easy access, then power supply is convenient, but the worksurface becomes cluttered and aesthetics are detracted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts cords and power outlets from the worksurface top surface and relocates them to the pull-out tray assembly positioned behind or beneath the worksurface. This maintains power supply convenience through the tray's accessible design while completely removing visual and physical clutter from the worksurface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves power and data access from the horizontal plane of the worksurface top to a different spatial dimension by positioning the pull-out tray vertically behind or beneath the worksurface. This dimensional transition eliminates cord clutter on the worksurface while maintaining accessibility through the tray's pull-out mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the worksurface is used for multiple functions including dining, then versatility is improved, but cord management becomes difficult when relocating is required
Solution Approach 1:
The pull-out tray assembly is designed to support multiple functions including power supply, data communication, and cord storage. This universal design allows the worksurface to serve different purposes (work, dining, etc.) without requiring separate cord management solutions for each function, as the tray consolidates all utility needs in one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull-out tray pre-positions power outlets and data ports in a fixed location behind or beneath the worksurface, preparing the utility infrastructure in advance. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for cord relocation when changing functions, as all power and data connections remain accessible through the tray regardless of how the worksurface is being used.
Data Source
AI summary
A pull-out tray assembly includes a pull-out tray moveable between a closed position and an open position. A front of the tray moves downwardly and a rear of the tray moves upwardly as the tray is moved from the closed to the open position. Likewise, a front cavity is opened and a rear cavity is closed as the pull-out tray is moved from the closed position to the open position. In one embodiment, the pull-out tray assembly includes a slide mechanism pivotally supporting the pull-out tray at a first location on the tray and a track guiding the tray at a second location on the tray. In various embodiments, at least one of a power outlet and communication port is coupled to the pull-out tray. A worksurface assembly incorporating the pull-out tray is also provided, together with a method of using the pull-out tray.