Removable Table Divider Bracket System to Prevent Surface Damage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional table top dividing systems cause damage to tables and are not suitable for durable and heavy panels, as they require clamping or drilling, and are limited to specific panel thicknesses and materials.

Innovation Solution

A removable table divider system using solid steel brackets that suspend durable glass or other panels above the table, allowing for various configurations and sizes without damaging the table, using pre-drilled holes and hidden hardware to secure the panels with optional inserts for different thicknesses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional clamping or drilling methods are used to attach table dividers, then the dividers can be securely fixed to the table, but the table surface is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidtable damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a removable table divider system with a base that contacts the table surface and vertical supports that connect the base to the panel. This intermediary structure transfers the panel weight to the table through distributed contact pressure on the table surface, rather than concentrated drilling or clamping forces, thereby securing the panel without damaging the table.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional dividing systems are designed for specific panel thicknesses, then the system is simpler to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate durable and heavy panels of varying thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel thickness accommodationVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical supports are designed to be adjustable in length, allowing the system to adapt to panels of varying thicknesses. The supports can be configured to different heights to accommodate durable and heavy panels of various dimensions, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base and vertical support structure serves multiple functions: it provides stable mounting for the panel, adjusts to different panel thicknesses, and distributes weight across the table surface. This multi-functional design allows a single system to handle diverse panel requirements without increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If permanent installation methods are used, then the dividers are more stable, but the table cannot be easily cleaned and the dividers cannot be removed for relocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedivider stabilityVSAvoidremovability and cleaning access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the base and the table surface is designed to be stable during use but removable when needed. The base maintains firm contact with the table to prevent movement during normal operation, yet can be easily detached for table cleaning or relocation purposes, providing both stability and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11375808B1Table dividing system and method of use

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 DAWSON DONY

AI summary

A table dividing system includes a connecting system to rest on a top surface of a table, the connecting system having a first bracket having a first portion and a second portion with one or more pre-drilled holes; and one or more connectors to extend through the pre-drilled holes; the first portion and the second portion secure to a panel; and the panel is held above the top surface of the table.