Quad-Beam Workstation Assembly for Torsion-Resistant Side Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular building systems, particularly cruciform beams, lack sufficient resistance to torsion around their long axis, limiting the attachment of accessories and stability when loads are cantilevered from the side.

Innovation Solution

The use of quad-beams with corner tubes and channel bars or side plates arranged in a rectangular pattern, featuring strut-nuts or jam nuts for attaching accessories, which enhance torsional resistance by distributing torque effectively through the beam's structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If accessories are cantilevered from the side of a cruciform beam, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates due to insufficient torsion resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment of accessoriesVSAvoidstructural stability under cantilevered loads

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The box beam's asymmetric closed-section geometry provides inherent torsional rigidity that stabilizes the structure when accessories are cantilevered from the side. The closed-loop structure resists the twisting moments generated by lateral attachments, enabling stable side-mounted configurations while maintaining ease of accessory attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The box beam's closed-loop cross-section creates a geometric form that naturally resists torsional deformation. This curved/enclosed geometry distributes stresses more effectively than the open cruciform shape, providing stability for cantilevered accessories while preserving attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If a standard beam with easy attachment points is used, then ease of operation is improved, but resistance to torsion around the long axis deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidresistance to torsion around long axis

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The box beam design integrates multiple functions: the corner tubes and channel bars provide attachment points for accessories, while the overall closed-section structure provides torsional resistance. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to choose between attachment capability and torsional strength, as both are achieved within the same structural system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the attachment function (provided by corner tubes and channel bars) with the torsional resistance function (provided by the closed-box structure). By combining these functions into a single integrated beam design, the system achieves both ease of operation and high torsional strength around the long axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9637921B1System for assembly of modular workstations using quad-beams and rail-arm-leg modules

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 BOLLMAN CLIFFORD

AI summary

Embodiments of a quad-beams and rail-arm-leg modules for use in modular assembly systems for office and industrial work stations. The embodiments have four corner tubes, bars, or channels arranged in a rectangular pattern in cross-section and connected in ways that provide improved ability to transmit torque along a long axis of the multi-track beam while providing improved resistance to twisting under the forces of the torque.