Vertical Work Surface Adjustment with Protected Spiral Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable desks with exposed cables between the control unit and user interface cause nuisances and risk damage due to interference with user movement and external objects.
Innovation Solution
A non-telescopic vertical guiding element with a spiraled cable portion supported by a vertical support member, housed partially or fully within the element, to conceal and protect the cable, ensuring it remains aligned and avoids contact with internal components during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables are exposed in the height adjustment mechanism, then electrical connection between control unit and user interface is maintained, but user movement is interfered with and cable damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is nested within the vertical guiding element structure. The cable runs through the interior space of the vertical guiding element, which houses the actuator mechanism. This nesting conceals the cable from external exposure while maintaining its electrical connection function, eliminating interference with user leg movement and reducing damage risk from external contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical guiding element serves as an intermediary structure that protects and guides the cable. Instead of exposing the cable directly, the guiding element acts as a protective intermediary that allows the cable to pass through its interior, thereby shielding the cable from external objects and user contact while maintaining electrical connectivity.
2Ease of manufacture
If cables are exposed, then installation is simpler, but cable damage from forceful contact occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is integrated within the vertical guiding element during manufacturing. The guiding element is designed as a hollow or channelled structure that receives and protects the cable, eliminating the need for separate cable management components and simplifying the overall assembly process while providing inherent cable protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a telescopic vertical guiding element is used, then cable management flexibility is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the guiding element telescopic to achieve cable management flexibility, the invention inverts the approach by making the cable itself flexible and routeable within a fixed, simple guiding element structure. The cable's natural flexibility compensates for the lack of telescopic movement in the guiding element, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosed solution comprises an adjustment mechanism assembly (1) for adjusting a work surface position vertically, comprising a vertical guiding element (6), a work surface support element (8) engaged with the vertical guiding element (6) and configured to be movable vertically with electric actuation, and means for the electric actuation comprising a cable (2). The adjustment mechanism assembly (1) comprises a vertical support member (3) which extends vertically from within the vertical guiding element (6) to outside it or resides completely within the vertical guiding element (6). The cable (2) comprises a spiraled portion (2') between its termini, which spiraled portion (2') is supported with respect to its central axis (C) by the support member (3). The disclosed solution also comprises a wall structure (21) and a table comprising such an adjustment mechanism assembly (1).