Modular Workstation Frame Connectors for Easier Cable Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing workstation systems face challenges in assembly, dismantling, and redesign due to direct connections between profile strands, which complicate the transfer of cables and require openings at connection points, making the process labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a connecting element with a plug-in connection and a screw connection allows for easy assembly and disassembly, enabling indirect connections between profile strands, facilitating cable transitions and line transfers without the need for direct openings, and providing modular expandability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If direct connections between profile strands are used, then structural stability is achieved, but assembly and cable transfer become labor-intensive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A connecting element is introduced as an intermediary component between profile strands. This connecting element features a body with a first receiving region for a first profile strand and a second receiving region for a second profile strand, enabling indirect connection between profile strands. This mediator simplifies assembly operations while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If openings are made in line ducts for cable transfer, then cable routing flexibility is improved, but structural integrity and assembly simplicity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable transfer flexibilityVSAvoidline duct integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element acts as a mediator that provides integrated cable transfer capabilities without requiring openings in the profile strands' line ducts. The connecting element's design allows cables to be transferred between profile strands through its structure, maintaining the integrity of the original line ducts while achieving cable routing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If profile strands are directly connected, then structural stability is maintained, but design flexibility and modular expandability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element serves as a mediator that enables modular design flexibility while maintaining connection strength. The body of the connecting element is designed to securely receive and connect profile strands through its receiving regions, providing both the flexibility needed for modular assembly and the structural strength required for stable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If screw connections are used for profile strand connections, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly time and labor effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into modular components: the connecting element body with integrated receiving regions and profile strands with connecting elements. This segmentation allows for pre-fabricated reliable connections that can be quickly assembled, reducing overall assembly time while maintaining connection reliability through the specialized design of each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2674069B1System workstation
Publication Date: 2016.03.09 WESEMANN
  • EP2674069B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2674069B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2674069B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a workstation system (10, 84, 88) with an inherently stable frame support structure (11, 87, 90) for attaching add-on elements (18, 27, 85, 91), the frame support structure (11, 87, 90) having several has separate profile strands (12, 13, 14, 29, 57, 89), and with a line channel (33) formed integrally by means of at least one profile strand (12, 13, 14, 29, 57, 89) for receiving lines. In order to increase design flexibility with regard to the structure and/or to be able to carry it out more easily, in particular facilitating the assembly, dismantling and/or redesign of the workplace system, the workplace system (10, 84, 88) is characterized in that the frame support structure ( 11, 87, 90) forming profile strands (12, 13, 14, 29, 57, 89) can be connected to one another by means of connecting elements (15, 16, 58), with one connecting element (15, 16, 58) for connecting two profile strands ( 12, 13, 14, 29, 57, 89) is provided between the two profile strands (12, 13, 14, 29, 57, 89) to be connected.