Tabletop enclosure including a spring-loaded drop-down flip-top cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tabletop enclosures in conference rooms lack modular flexibility and efficient power/data distribution, making it difficult to accommodate various connectivity and power needs, and often require manual operation for lid opening and module installation.
Innovation Solution
A modular flip-top tabletop enclosure with a fully automatic, mechanically actuated spring-loaded lid that automatically recesses and includes interchangeable module rail guides, a DC-DC power and signal bus board, and a control system for seamless module installation and power/data distribution, along with geolocation beacons and backlighting for user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional tabletop enclosure with fixed configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different connectivity and power needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tabletop enclosure is divided into modular components including power modules, data modules, and communication modules that can be independently selected and configured. Each module provides specific functionality (USB charging, A/C power, DC power, LAN connection) allowing the system to be customized for different connectivity and power needs without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure incorporates a universal bus board that can distribute power and data to multiple different module types simultaneously. The system supports both power-over-USB and traditional A/C power outlets, as well as multiple data communication protocols, making it adaptable to various device requirements while maintaining a single unified platform.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation for lid opening and module installation is required, then the ease of operation deteriorates, but the device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly incorporates an automatic spring-loaded mechanism that opens the lid without requiring manual lifting force. The spring automatically returns the lid to its closed position after opening, eliminating the need for manual operation while keeping the mechanical structure simple and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The module installation process is enhanced with alignment guides and positioning features that automatically align modules with the bus board connectors. This mechanical guidance system ensures proper alignment without requiring precise manual positioning, improving ease of installation while maintaining simple mechanical structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable modules are added to provide various connectivity options, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connectivity functionality is segmented into separate interchangeable modules (power modules, data modules, communication modules) that can be independently selected and installed. This allows the system to provide various connectivity options (USB charging, A/C power, DC power, LAN connection) while keeping each individual module simple and the overall system configuration flexible.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple module types are designed to fit within the same enclosure space, with each module containing its specific connectivity components. The modular design allows modules to be nested or arranged in different configurations within the enclosure, providing connectivity flexibility without requiring separate enclosures for each function.
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 provides a flexible, user-friendly, and efficient connectivity solution that automatically adjusts to different configurations, ensuring proper alignment and power/data distribution, enhancing usability and adaptability in conference settings.
Implementation Method 1
The tabletop enclosure includes a self-actuated lid configured to spring open by pivoting up along its rear edge
Implementation Method 2
a bezel is secured using a plurality of magnets disposed thereunder, which secure along top perimeter of the tabletop enclosure frame
Data Source
AI summary
A tabletop enclosure having a fully automatic self-actuated drop-down recessing flip-top cover. After the lid has automatically, spring open it begins to autonomously recess by sliding downwardly in a smooth controlled manner into the flip-top enclosure until it is substantially recessed. According to an embodiment, the enclosure includes modular rail guides designed to receive an interchangeable combination of single, dual, or triple, sized modules, each module having easy to use alignment module rails to ease module installation. Interchangeable modules are inserted from the top of the housing frame so that the tabletop enclosure can be configured for various connectivity scenarios.