Table-Leg Mounted Partition Brackets for Adjustable Workstations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for subdividing open-plan offices with free-standing mobile partition elements require significant effort, space, and can pose safety hazards due to the need for separate support structures and limited flexibility in height adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A workstation with a table and an add-on partition element supported by brackets on table legs, allowing for offset placement and stepless height adjustment, eliminating the need for a separate support structure and enabling flexible positioning and hiding of workplace equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If free-standing mobile partition elements are used to subdivide open-plan offices, then flexibility in structure and design is improved, but significant effort and space are required for separate support structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in structure and designVSAvoidseparate support structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partition element is merged with the table structure by attaching it to the table legs. The bracket with casing section and cantilever arm integrates the partition support function into the existing table leg structure, eliminating the need for separate free-standing support structures while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The table leg serves multiple functions: it supports the table top and simultaneously supports the partition element through the bracket mechanism. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional dedicated support structures for partition elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If free-standing partition elements with projecting feet are used, then subdivision of open-plan offices is achieved, but safety hazards due to tripping risks occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubdivision capabilityVSAvoidtripping hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The partition element is combined with the table structure, using the table legs as support points. This integration eliminates the need for projecting feet that extend beyond the table perimeter, thereby removing tripping hazards while preserving the partitioning function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional support structures are used for partition elements, then firm footing is achieved, but considerable space and manufacturing effort are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirm footingVSAvoidsupport structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is merged into the table leg structure. The bracket with casing section guided on the table leg and cantilever arm provides firm support for the partition element while utilizing the existing table leg, eliminating the need for separate support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The casing section is designed to be displaceable on the table leg, allowing dynamic adjustment of the partition element height. This dynamic mechanism provides firm footing while maintaining adaptability, replacing static conventional support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If partition elements are attached to tables with fixed support, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility in height adjustment and positioning is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidheight adjustment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The casing section is designed to be displaceable on the table leg, enabling continuous height adjustment of the partition element. The clamping device secures the casing section at desired positions, providing both stability during use and flexibility during adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket acts as an intermediary mechanism between the table leg and partition element. It provides stable connection through the clamping device while enabling height adjustment through the displaceable casing section, mediating between stability and flexibility requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Adaptability or versatility

If multiple partition elements of different heights are provided for individual adjustment, then flexibility is improved, but production costs and logistics complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual height adjustmentVSAvoidnumber of partition elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing multiple partition elements of different fixed heights, the invention implements a single partition element height that can be dynamically adjusted via the displaceable casing section on the table leg. This continuous adjustment mechanism eliminates the need for multiple variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket mechanism with displaceable casing section provides universal height adjustment capability for partition elements. A single design can accommodate various heights, replacing the need for multiple specialized partition elements of different heights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2183994B1Workstation
Publication Date: 2014.01.08 PREFORM
  • EP2183994B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The work station (1) has a table (2) consisting of multiple table legs (7) and a table plate (6), and has a mounting element (5) with a partition element (3). Two cylindrical table legs are arranged in the area of the sides of the table at which the table legs are aligned parallel to each other and vertically. The partition element is supported by consoles (4) at the table legs arranged in the area of the respective sides of the table. The consoles have a cover section (12) guided to the respective leg in displacing manner. The cover section has a cantilever arm (13).