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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing office furniture systems are overly complex and excessively designed, leading to inefficiencies in power and cable distribution, as well as limited configurability and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A modular workbench design featuring a spline assembly with a longitudinally extended spline body and raceway cover that supports a power track and cables, allowing for flexible configuration and easy attachment of accessories, while minimizing the number of modular parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional office furniture systems are used with separate power distribution components, then power and cable distribution functionality is provided, but device complexity increases and configurability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power distribution components, cable management, and mounting functions into a single integrated spline assembly. The spline body integrates a channel for power tracks, side arms for cable access, and mounting surfaces, eliminating the need for separate power distribution units and cable trays, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The spline assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power distribution through integrated power tracks, manages cables through dedicated channels and access points, and enables accessory mounting through integrated mounting surfaces. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace multiple separate systems, improving configurability without adding complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for power distribution and cable management, then functionality is provided, but the number of parts increases and reconfiguration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spline assembly merges power distribution components, cable management structures, and mounting elements into a single integrated unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts that need to be handled during assembly and reconfiguration, making the system more adaptable while minimizing component quantity
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating multiple functions, the spline assembly maintains segmentable features through the modular spline body design with distinct functional zones (power track channel, cable access areas, mounting surfaces) that can be independently accessed or modified, enabling reconfiguration without requiring disassembly of the entire structure
3Ease of operation
If conventional power distribution arrangements are used, then power delivery is achieved, but cable management becomes complex and accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spline assembly incorporates localized cable access features at specific positions along the spline body, with side arms providing targeted cable entry/exit points. This localized approach allows cables to be accessed and managed at precise locations rather than requiring complex routing through the entire structure, improving ease of operation while reducing management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The side arms of the spline body act as intermediary structures that facilitate cable management by providing dedicated pathways and access points between the internal cable channels and the external environment. These intermediary elements simplify cable routing and accessibility without adding overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A work bench includes a work surface with a spline assembly supported adjacent work surface. The spline assembly includes a longitudinally extended spline body and a longitudinally extended raceway cover. The spline body has an upper portion and two side arms extending downwardly from the upper portion. The spline body defines a channel for carrying a power track between the two side arms. The raceway cover is configured to attach to the two side arms of the spline body below the power track, and defines a raceway for carrying cables underneath the spline body.