Work Surface Receptacle Housing With Bendable Mounting Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for providing utility receptacles on work surfaces, such as tables and workbenches, often require complex mounting and lack flexibility in accommodating different surface thicknesses and types, limiting their versatility and ease of installation.
Innovation Solution
A housing structure with bendable tabs and transverse slots allows for adjustable mounting on work surfaces, enabling the apparatus to be securely fastened to various thicknesses and types of surfaces, incorporating a device charging port and utility receptacles like electrical power and data ports within a compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mounting structures are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates bendable tabs that can be flexed during installation and then hold a fixed position, providing dynamic adaptability during installation while maintaining structural stability during use. This allows the same structure to accommodate different surface thicknesses without requiring multiple complex mounting options.
Solution Approach 2:
The bendable tabs are designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters that allow them to be bent to different degrees, changing their shape parameter to accommodate various surface thicknesses. This parameter adjustment capability provides secure attachment across different applications without increasing overall device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed mounting structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different surface thicknesses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates bendable tabs that can be flexed during installation and then hold a fixed position, providing dynamic adaptability during installation while maintaining structural stability during use. This allows the same structure to accommodate different surface thicknesses without requiring multiple complex mounting options.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is divided into separate functional elements: a rigid housing for structural support and bendable tabs for adaptation. This segmentation allows the rigid portions to be manufactured simply while the bendable tabs provide the necessary flexibility, combining manufacturing ease with adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mounting options are provided, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates bendable tabs that can be flexed during installation and then hold a fixed position, providing dynamic adaptability during installation while maintaining structural stability during use. This allows the same structure to accommodate different surface thicknesses without requiring multiple complex mounting options.
Solution Approach 2:
The bendable tab design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables adaptation to different thicknesses, and facilitates installation through its flexible nature. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting options for different applications, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing utility receptacles on a work surface. The apparatus has a housing structure having a pair of sidewalls, a rear wall, a bottom section and a top section that is attached to the sidewalls. The top section includes a central section and at least one bendable tab extending from the central section to a distal end. The central section has at least one opening therein that is sized and shaped to receive a utility receptacle. The central section has a transverse slot along which the bendable tab can be bent with respect to the central section. The bendable tab can be bent 90° with respect to the central section. The bendable tab has at least one transverse slot along which a first portion of the bendable tab can be bent with respect to a second portion of the bendable tab.