Soft-Top Modular Computer Desk for Cable Routing and Compact Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computer desks are uncomfortable for prolonged use due to hard surfaces, require cumbersome cable management, and are inefficient in terms of shipping, storage, and assembly, being aesthetically unpleasing and costly to transport.

Innovation Solution

A modular gaming computer desk with a single continuous textured surface, adjustable legs, and concealed cable management system, comprising smaller, lighter components that fit together easily, featuring a soft top for comfort and cable routing through holes and slits, with a washable cover and integrated cable net for organization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a hard desktop surface is used, then the desk structure is simple and stable, but the user experiences pain in wrists, hands, and elbows during prolonged use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesk structure simplicityVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The desktop is segmented into a base structure and a separate soft top layer. The base provides structural stability while the soft top layer (made of foam, rubber, or fabric) provides comfort for user interaction. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The desk combines hard structural materials (wood, metal, or plastic base) with soft cushioning materials (foam, rubber, or fabric top layer) to create a composite structure that simultaneously provides structural integrity and user comfort during prolonged use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If cables are draped over the sides of the desk, then cable routing is simple, but the cables hang down and may get in the user's way or be accidentally unplugged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable routing simplicityVSAvoidcable safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Cable management channels or grommets are introduced as intermediary structures between the cables and the desk environment. These channels guide cables through designated pathways, preventing them from hanging down while maintaining simple routing. The channels act as mediators that organize cables safely without complicating the overall desk structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional computer desks are made with large component parts, then the desk is stable and simple to construct, but it is cumbersome and time-consuming to set up, ship, and store

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesk stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The desk is divided into multiple modular components (base, desktop sections, shelves, legs) that can be easily transported and stored. These segmented parts assemble together using simple connection mechanisms (screws, clips, or interlocking systems) that reduce assembly time while maintaining structural stability when fully assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The desk components are designed to collapse or fold into more compact forms for shipping and storage. For example, legs may fold parallel to the desktop, or shelves may be nested within the frame structure, reducing the overall volume without compromising the stability of the assembled desk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If a textured surface is used on the desk, then friction between the surface and computer mouse is optimized, but the user requires a separate mouse pad for comfort and accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemouse friction optimizationVSAvoidneed for separate mouse pad
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mousepad functionality is merged with the desktop surface itself. The soft top layer is designed with a texture or material properties that provide both comfort for user contact and optimal friction for computer mouse operation. This integration eliminates the need for a separate mouse pad while maintaining both comfort and mouse control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3485765B1Computer desk
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 AROZZI EURO AB
  • EP3485765B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3485765B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3485765B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a computer desk comprising a desk top, a framework, at least two legs, and at least two leg supporting base. The framework is joined to the underside of said desk top. The legs connect with the framework and are supported by said leg supporting bases. The desk top comprises a desk top base and a desk cover. The desk top base is comprised of at least two individual desk sections which fit together to create a flat surface. The desk top base includes at least one hole such as to allow cords to pass through or a monitor stand to be mounted. The desk cover is fitted to sit completely over said desk top base. The desk cover includes at least one slit such as to allow cords to pass through or a monitor stand to be mounted. The at least one slit is aligned with said at least one hole in the desk top base.