Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02324050 2000-10-20
CONTROL CONSOLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a framework for supporting pieces of work
station equipment, and more particularly to a console structure for supporting
electronic equipment in the nature of computers, video monitors, control
panels and
the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Control consoles of the type described herein generally include a framework
for receiving and supporting the necessary pieces of electronic and support
equipment including terminals, monitors, keyboards, switch panels, telephone
turrets, lighting and so forth, and a planar work surface extending outwardly
from the
framework at a convenient height. Some of the equipment including video
monitors
and output displays is supported to be visible above the work surface for
convenient
viewing and user access. Finishing panels can also be supported by the basic
framework.
To date, many work station consoles have been custom manufactured which
in terms of design and construction is both expensive and time consuming. This
approach has been necessitated by customer requirements that are often unique
in
terms of work station size, equipment placement, human engineering and cost
considerations. In the result, the completed console structures are not only
extremely expensive, but are also difficult if not impossible to subsequently
modify
for the reconfiguration of existing equipment or to retrofit new equipment. An
alternative approach has been to assemble the consoles from fixed size modular
sections. This approach can reduce costs, and although there may be some loss
of
flexibility with respect to subsequent modifications and reconfigurations of
equipment
within the console, there are simply many instances in which the cost savings
outweigh the advantages of a system critically engineered to permit unlimited
post-
installation reconfiguration. Some flexibility must however remain.
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A need therefore exists for a console structure which overcomes the problems
inherent in either the custom design and manufacture or modular assembly of
console structures. One such approach has been developed by the Applicant and
is described in Canadian Patent 1,291,518 issued October 29, 1991 (equivalent
to
U.S. Patent 4,836,625).
The backbone of the console structure shown in the aforementioned patents
are the horizontally spaced, vertically upright gable members 1 commonly
referred
to as G-frames. The gables are interconnected by stringers 2 to provide a
rigid
framework for the console structure. The spacing between gables is infinitely
variable so that the framework as a whole is easily adapted to custom
requirements
both before and after initial on-site assembly. Because most of the equipment
in the
console is supported by or suspended from the interconnecting stringers,
changing
the distance between gables is not in and of itself all that disruptive of the
system as
a whole and particularly the equipment mounting hardware, and this lends the
overall
structure enormous flexibility. This flexibility comes however at a cost. The
gables
themselves are metal fabricated usually from tubular steel and are therefore
relatively expensive to manufacture and store. The stringers are typically
aluminum
extrusions and are therefore relatively inexpensive linear stock easily
stored, but a
lot of different stringers of different shapes and configurations depending
upon
function are required and an idea of the number and types of stringers needed
can
be seen from Figures 3 to 9 of the patent. This therefore also adds to cost
and the
need for significant inventory control. The need for this number of stringers
is made
necessary in part because the gables, as aforesaid, are almost entirely
structural in
function and integrate no channels, interlocks or other mechanical means that
increase their versatility or allow them to perform multiple tasks.
The Applicant has found that although there will continue to be a strong
demand for the flexibility and retrofit capabilities of its G-frame consoles,
and for
more modular "discreet logic" systems that cost less, many customers now
require
accommodation for increasingly large pieces of equipment such as, for example,
26
inch monitors, and computer towers that are increasing particularly in height.
To
accommodate such items, and to maximize the remaining available space for
other
pieces of equipment usually mounted below the monitors, it is increasingly
desirable
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to further reduce the number of components making up the console framework.
The
more vertical and horizontal structural members eliminated, the greater the
unimpeded space available for oversized monitors and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The Applicant has therefore developed a console system which is flexible
enough to meet the demands of a custom environment, but wherein the number of
components in the system is significantly reduced for cost savings. Many of
the
remaining components "multi-task", assembly is made easier and less costly,
and
structural integrity is maintained.
It is an object of the present invention therefore to provide a console
structure
comprising a relatively few basic components which can be easily assembled
into
a supporting framework for a wide variety of equipment pieces and shapes
without
major modifications to the basic components themselves.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a console framework
providing as much unimpeded space therein as possible to maximize the
adaptability
of the framework for the mounting of different pieces of equipment at
different
locations, and the ability to meet custom requirements using the same basic
components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in
greater detail, and will be better understood when read in conjunction with
the
following drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective schematical view of the console structure in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the console of Figure 1 in a partially
opened
condition;
Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of the console of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the console of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a perspective exploded view of a single module console;
Figure 6 is a view of turret modules of predetermined width;
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Figure 7 is a view of turret modules of a second predetermined width;
Figure 8 is a view of turret modules of a third predetermined width;
Figure 9 is a view of turret modules of a fourth predetermined width;
Figure 10 is a plan view of corner modules;
Figure 11 is a side elevational sectional view of the present console in
desktop
configuration;
Figure 12 is a side elevational, sectional view of the present console in a
monitor supporting configuration;
Figure 13 is a side elevational, partially sectional view of the present
console
in a turret configuration;
Figure 14 is a side elevational, partially sectional view of the present
console
in an alternative turreted configuration;
Figure 15 is a side elevational, partially sectional view of the present
console
in a further alternative turreted configuration;
Figure 16 is a side elevational view of the present console with a turret;
Figure 17 is a cross sectional view of the rail extrusion forming part of the
present console;
Figure 18 is a cross sectional view of the pivot hanger and pivot extrusion
forming part of the present console;
Figure 19 is a side elevational, partially sectional view of an alternative
desktop configuration of the present console; and
Figure 20 is a side elevational, partially sectional view of a further
alternative
configuration of the present console with a turret.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
This is the development of a product particularly well suited for the Air
Traffic
Control industry, as it applies to the accommodation of technology in
equipment
consoles.
The product is based on a formed sheet metal structure with horizontal
extruded aluminum stringers and mounting rails. The product comprises four
basis
elements:
1. A defined base module of specific height, width and depth.
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2. An equipment turret structure of defined depth, flexible height and face
angle, and parametric width.
3. An equipment front with a fixed angle and dimension to match the turret
face, and parametric definition in lateral dimension to suit the project
requirements.
4. A work surface module of defined depth and thickness and width
relationship to the base module criteria.
The above four "modules" or elements meet at the upper right corner of the
equipment console section as viewed with the operator positioned on the right
hand
side of the console. The four elements are related to each other in their
commonality, but are able to be manipulated in their parametric dimension to
suit the
application. Each element has a limited benefit unto itself, but when put in
combination with each other, form the unique equipment console product.
The defined base modules allow for the use of pre-engineered standard add-
on features and accessories to complete the compliment. The equipment turret
with
its lateral flexible dimension allows for the configuration of a variety of
equipment
front dimensions and add-on controller kits to complete the equipment turret
compliment. The extruded aluminum mounting rails provide a unique system for
the
installation of equipment turrets that can straddle two base modules without
penalty
to the equipment mounting volume. This rail system also allows for the
interchangeability of equipment turrets and drop-in work surface elements
along the
length of the console.
The work surface element is designed to discrete dimensions to suit the base
module dimension and the type of controller position the equipment console is
intended for. These work surface elements can suit a keyboard operation, a
pencil
drawer storage situation or a simple writing operation.
With the parametric equipment turret logic, the turrets can be built to suit
the
project requirements and be reconfigurable at a future date with minimal
impact on
the equipment mounting technology. A unique element to the turret system is
the
upper hinge extrusion that will allow for the placement of an equipment front
or other
controller operation feature to be mounted anywhere along the lateral
dimension of
the turret housing. The equipment fronts can be independent of each other or
one
large equipment front the same dimensions as the equipment turret.
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The base module consists of formed sheet metal end gables interconnected
by upper and lower aluminum extrusions. The upper extrusions double as
turret/work surface mounting rails and preferably present a flat upper surface
which
allows the turrets to be installed at any designated location along their
length while
straddling the end gables of the base module. Sheet metal screws or other
fasteners may be used to connect the turrets/work surfaces to the mounting
rails, but
a sliding interlock or quick snap connection may also be contemplated.
The turrets themselves are fabricated to the required width, depth, height and
face angle and include an upper hinge extrusion that allows for flexibility in
the lateral
placement of the equipment front. The turrets themselves are a sheet metal
structure including end and intermediate gables of generally triangular shape
to
present the required face angle. A work surface extends forwardly from the
base
module and can be mounted onto structural supports that are connected to the
forward edges of the base module end gables.
The resulting console is based on a relatively few number of basis
components but results in a structure of considerable flexibility both in
initial
configuration and adaptability to retrofit. It also permits almost unlimited
flexibility in
the relative placement of the various components with a minimum of engineering
input.
The following is a further description of the console system:
This is a modular console system where the lateral position of the upper
turrets is independent of the lower frame area. I.e. the upper frames can be
positioned anywhere with respect to the lower frames.
There is a continuous horizontal rail system that provides the linear
interface
for the upper turret. (Dwg. No. 2, and upper left hand portion of dwg. No. 4.)
There is a continuous horizontal rail system that provides the linear
interface
forthe lower turret. This consists of two rail extrusions whereby the upper
turrets can
slide laterally, lock and pivot in the desired location. (Dwg. No. 1, 3 and
4.)
The upper turret does not use fasteners to secure to the frame. It is just a
quick snap connection.
The equipment fronts in the upper turret are independent from the frames of
the upper turret. I.e. they can straddle the frames.
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Two upper turrets can be combined into effectively a one turret, by
substituting end frames with intermediate frames. The advantage of this is
that the
equipment front can straddle the intermediate frames.
The linear console components (extrusions) can be cut to any length.
The upper turrets and work surfaces are interchangeable. This is easily
accomplished without any modifications to the lower structure.
Turrets of different angles can be placed adjacent to each other.
The base modules are fully cladded at this time.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are meant to be
illustrative of preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope
of the
present invention. Various modifications, which would be readily apparent to
one
skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the present
invention. The
only limitations to the scope of the present invention are set forth in the
following
claims appended hereto.
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