Table Power Module with Soft Contact Surface to Reduce Chair Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table apparatuses with integrated power modules often suffer from damage due to contact with chairs, leading to scratches, chips, and other forms of wear, which can degrade their aesthetic appearance and physical performance.
Innovation Solution
A power module with soft contact surfaces made from materials like polyurethane or thermoplastic vulcanizate is mounted to the table assembly, providing a protective layer that absorbs impact and reduces damage, while also being removably attached without the need for additional tools, allowing for easy reconfiguration and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power module is integrated into a table assembly with a hard surface, then electronics connections are provided and structural support is maintained, but the hard surface causes scratches, chips, and damage to chairs that contact it
Solution Approach 1:
The power module incorporates a soft contact surface specifically at the regions where chair contact occurs, while maintaining the hard structural material in the interior and mounting portions. This local differentiation allows the module to provide structural support where needed while protecting chairs from damage at contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The power module uses a composite construction combining a hard structural material (such as metal or rigid plastic) for the housing and mounting structure, with a soft contact material (such as rubber, foam, or soft plastic) applied to the exterior surfaces that contact chairs. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between needing structural integrity and avoiding chair damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a soft contact surface is added to the power module, then chair damage is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The soft contact surface is implemented as a thin flexible layer or coating applied to the exterior of the power module housing. This approach adds minimal complexity compared to redesigning the entire module structure, while effectively providing chair protection. The soft layer can be attached through simple bonding or molding processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a removably-mountable power module is used, then adaptability and ease of reconfiguration are improved, but the reliability of connection may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power module is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently mounted to or detached from the table assembly. This segmentation enables easy reconfiguration and adaptation to different table configurations while maintaining a secure connection through dedicated mounting interfaces such as slots, clips, or adhesive mechanisms.
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 effectively protects both the chair and the power module from damage, extends their useful life, and provides accessible electronics connections while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design with a soft tactile feel.
Implementation Method 1
a power module configured to absorb impact and/or otherwise reduce damage to a chair that could result from contact between the power module and chair
Data Source
AI summary
A table system power module is provided. In some embodiments, an example table system includes a table top and a power module removably mounted to the table top. The power module includes a contact surface made from a relatively softer material.