Reconfigurable Conference Table for Variable Group Size and Telepresence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conference tables, whether rectangular or round, often restrict participant interaction, are not easily reconfigurable, and pose challenges in integrating telepresence participants, leading to suboptimal collaboration and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable conference table design featuring circumferentially spaced support nodes that can move between contracted and expanded configurations, allowing the worksurface to adjust in size while maintaining a continuous, unbroken surface, and incorporating monitors to seamlessly integrate telepresence participants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If round tables are made large enough to accommodate a relatively large group of participants, then the table can host more participants, but the footprint becomes large and feels cavernous for smaller groups
Solution Approach 1:
The worksurface is divided into multiple movable sectors that can be independently positioned. These sectors are supported by nodes that can be repositioned along radial tracks, allowing the table to be segmented into different configurations (compact for small groups, expanded for large groups) without requiring a completely different table size
Solution Approach 2:
The table transitions from a static round design to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The support nodes can move radially inward and outward, and the worksurface sectors can rotate and reposition, enabling the table to dynamically adapt its footprint and seating capacity based on the number of participants
2Device complexity
If conventional rectangular tables are used with seating on opposite sides, then the table structure is simple, but participant interaction is limited and the setting is hierarchical
Solution Approach 1:
The table uses a circular/round worksurface geometry instead of rectangular, which naturally promotes egalitarian seating arrangements and better participant interaction. The curved design allows all participants to face each other more directly, eliminating the hierarchical head-of-table positioning inherent in rectangular tables
3Device complexity
If telepresence participants are allocated to one end of a rectangular table, then the integration is simple, but the collaborative environment is interrupted and views are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing telepresence screens at the end of the table (one-dimensional placement), the system integrates multiple monitors at each support node positioned around the circular table. This distributes telepresence presence throughout the entire table perimeter, allowing participants to view telepresence users from any position without blocking views or interrupting the collaborative environment
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable conference table includes an annulus shaped worksurface having radially spaced inner and outer peripheral edges. The inner peripheral edge defines a center opening having a center axis. The worksurface is moveable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration. The worksurface may include at least three sectors supported by and moveable relative to circumferentially spaced support nodes radially spaced from the center axis. At least two of the support nodes are moveable toward and away from the center axis. First and second monitors, facing inwardly toward the center opening, may be positioned above and below the worksurface. Methods of assembling and reconfiguring the conference table are also provided.