Rotating Table Port Housing for Flush Workspace Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tables with power and data ports often compromise the workspace by having visible ports that can interfere with the surface when not in use, and there is a need for a solution that allows these ports to be concealed and automatically accessible when needed.
Innovation Solution
A table design featuring rotatable port housings that can be flush with the surface when not in use and rise above it for accessibility, utilizing sensors and motors to automatically deploy and stow the ports based on detected signals, ensuring an uninterrupted workspace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power and data ports are permanently visible on the table surface, then accessibility to ports is improved, but the workspace surface area and visual cleanliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The port housing is designed to be rotatable between a first position (flush with table surface) and a second position (extended above surface). This dynamic configuration allows the ports to transition from a concealed state that maximizes workspace surface area to an accessible state that facilitates easy connection, resolving the contradiction between surface area and accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If power and data ports are permanently visible on the table surface, then accessibility to ports is improved, but visual cleanliness and surface continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable port housing enables the table surface to dynamically transition between a continuous, visually clean appearance (when ports are retracted) and an accessible configuration (when ports are extended). This resolves the contradiction between surface continuity and port accessibility by allowing the surface to adapt its state based on operational needs.
3Extent of automation
If sensors and motors are added to enable automatic port deployment, then automation and convenience are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect when a port is needed and trigger the motor to deploy the port housing without requiring manual intervention. This self-service automation improves convenience by anticipating user needs, while the modular design keeps the added complexity manageable and integrated into the existing table structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a convenient and secure method to access power and data ports only when required, maintaining a clutter-free and uninterrupted workspace while ensuring easy access when needed, enhancing usability and security.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to rotate the port housing between the first position and the second position
Implementation Method 2
a sensor coupled to the table and in communication with a controller. The controller may be configured to detect a first signal and a second signal from the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A table having electrical ports for supplying power or data. The table may include one or more port housings having one or more electrical ports disposed on a surface of the port housing. The port housing may be configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the one or more electrical ports may be concealed beneath the top surface of the table. In the second position, the one or more electrical port may be deployed above the top surface table. The table may include a motor coupled to an assembly for rotating the one or more port housings between the first position and the second position.