Height-Adjustable Table Underframe With Integrated Cable Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing table bases lack a modular and efficient design for integrating electrical components and cable management, particularly for height-adjustable systems, which complicates the integration of mini PCs and cable routing.

Innovation Solution

A modular table base with electrically height-adjustable legs, a horizontal longitudinal frame, and crossbeams that support a tabletop, featuring a container with lateral retaining tabs and a spring-locked mechanism for securing components, along with a cable bushing system for efficient cable management, allowing for the integration of mini PCs and acoustic elements without additional attachments to the tabletop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrical components and cable management systems are integrated into the table base, then functionality and organization are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of electrical componentsVSAvoidbase structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing the container (housing electrical components) inside the table base structure, and further nesting the cable management system within the container. The separating plate divides the container into front and rear areas, creating a nested organizational structure that integrates multiple functions within confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The crossbeams serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the tabletop, serve as mounting points for the container, and act as cable routing pathways. The container simultaneously houses electrical components, provides cable management, and offers acoustic enhancement capabilities, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity.

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

2Ease of operation

If a modular container system is used for electrical components, then ease of installation and maintenance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation and maintenanceVSAvoidcontainer assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the container into separable front and rear areas using a separating plate, allowing independent access to electrical components and cable management systems. The container can be installed as a complete module or accessed in parts, facilitating ease of installation and maintenance while the modular design can be manufactured as integrated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If cable bushings are integrated into the container, then cable management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable management efficiencyVSAvoidcontainer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cable management function directly into the container structure by integrating cable bushings into the container walls. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate cable management components, improving efficiency while actually reducing overall system complexity despite the increased sophistication of the container itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3090652B1Underframe for table for a table top
Publication Date: 2018.05.09 ANTON SCHNEIDER GMBH
  • EP3090652B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3090652B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3090652B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

In a table base (1) according to the invention for a table top with a base (2) which has at least two, in particular electrically height-adjustable, table bases (3) and a horizontal longitudinal frame (4) connecting the two table bases (3) to one another, and with at least two horizontal crossbeams (7) for supporting the table top, the crossbeams (7) are inserted through recesses (8) in the longitudinal frame (4) and braced therein.