Work Table with Telescopic Column for Ground-Free Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work tables with adjustable height and inclination for operating units are aesthetically unattractive and cumbersome, limiting space availability and creating obstacles for cleaning, especially when supporting modular panels, as they often require vertical elements that rest on the ground or are anchored to the worktop.
Innovation Solution
A work table design featuring a telescopic column fixed to the worktop, allowing the operating units to be adjusted in height without resting on the ground, using a peripheral flange for fixation to the worktop's lower surface, which enables the telescopic column to support units ergonomically without encumbering space above or below the worktop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vertical supporting element adjustable in height resting on the ground is used, then the height of the worktop can be regulated, but the space beneath the worktop is limited and cleaning operations are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting function is extracted from ground-based vertical elements and transferred to a telescopic column integrated into the worktop structure. The telescopic column is embedded within the worktop thickness, removing the need for ground-resting support elements and thereby freeing up space beneath the worktop for cleaning and cable management.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism transitions from a vertical ground-to-worktop configuration to a horizontal worktop-integrated configuration. The telescopic column operates within the thickness dimension of the worktop rather than extending from the ground, changing the spatial dimension of the support structure.
2Ease of operation
If a vertical supporting element adjustable in height is used, then operating units can be positioned ergonomically, but the element is aesthetically unattractive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting function is merged with the worktop structure itself through the telescopic column integration. The column is embedded within the worktop thickness and covered by a cap element that matches the worktop surface, creating a unified aesthetic appearance while maintaining ergonomic adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A cap element serves as an intermediary between the telescopic column mechanism and the worktop surface. This cap conceals the mechanical components while allowing the column to extend and retract, providing a clean aesthetic appearance while maintaining functional accessibility.
3Reliability
If the telescopic column is fixed to the worktop with a peripheral flange, then the column is securely anchored without resting on the ground, but the fixation structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is segmented into distinct functional components: the peripheral flange for lateral anchoring, the downward-extending fixation element for vertical anchoring into the worktop thickness, and the cap element for surface coverage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A work table (1) comprising at least one worktop or support (2), at least one operating unit, such as an additional supporting shelf (6), a supporting arm (7) or the like, at least one supporting group of said at least one operating unit fixed to said worktop or support (2), said group being movable between two end positions, i.e. between a first lowered position, substantially coplanar with said worktop (2), and a second raised position spaced from said worktop (2) so as to allow the regulation in height of at least one operating unit with respect to the worktop or support (2).